Abstract
Passive irrigation is an efficient method for a successful endodontic treatment. During sonic activation biocompatible polymer tips are used to activate irrigants. Compared to ultrasonic activation with metallic tips, polymer tips have the advantage of a reduced risk of fracture and minimise dentine damage. Hence, two polymers, polyether ether ketones (PEEK) and polyamide (PA6), were identified for the manufacturing of novel irrigation tips. The chemical resistance against the irrigants ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) 20%, chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) 2% and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) 5.25% was analysed. Using microindentation, the change of hardness, elasticity, surface roughness and appearance of the polymers was determined. PA6 had a high absorption of irrigant compared to PEEK. PEEK was resistant to the investigated irrigants and showed no significant alteration of surface and mechanical properties, whereas PA6 slightly increased its hardness, elastic modulus and surface roughness during long-term exposure at 37 °C. However, PA6 tips seem to be a promising disposable product due to the material’s high deformability and low manufacturing costs. Particularly with regard to structural-dynamic properties and high chemical resistance, PEEK can be considered as a material for reusable irrigation tips.
Highlights
Due to the complex root canal anatomy, effective irrigation with chemical agents alongside mechanical preparation is a key factor for an effective endodontic treatment
In the case the highest values m obtain for PA6 and from for PEEKtime
At a frequency of f = 6000 Hz can be equal to passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) with respect to the reduction of the microbial load in curved and straight root canals [22]
Summary
Due to the complex root canal anatomy, effective irrigation with chemical agents alongside mechanical preparation is a key factor for an effective endodontic treatment. The removal of infected dentine, the smear layer, remaining pulp tissue, bacteria and their endotoxins as well as decomposition products is crucial for the endodontic success [1,2,3,4]. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) serves as the main irrigating solution and is used in different concentrations [8,9]. NaOCl solution with a concentration of 5.25% is the most effective concentration and considered as gold standard [10,11]. NaOCl is known for its cytotoxicity and inability to remove the inorganic part of the smear layer [13]. In contrast to NaOCl, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) has chelating abilities, is able
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
