Abstract
This study aimed to compare the effect of conventional irrigation (CI) and passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) with 17% EDTA and QMiX on the maximum depth and percentage of sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and to describe the cleaning of root canal walls by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Eighty single-rooted human mandibular premolars were instrumented and randomly assigned to four groups (n = 20): EDTA + CI, QMiX + CI, EDTA + PUI, and QMiX + PUI. Ten samples from each group were examined by SEM (2,000×) and the remaining 40 roots were filled with a single gutta-percha cone and AH Plus sealer mixed with 0.1% rhodamine B for analysis by CLSM (10×). Images were assessed at distances of 2 mm (apical), 5 mm (middle), and 8 mm (coronal) from the apex with the Leica Application Suite V4.10 software. The EDTA + PUI and QMiX + PUI protocols presented higher rates of debris/smear layer removal in the apical and middle thirds. The PUI was superior to CI in the maximum depth of sealer penetration at the middle third. The QMiX + PUI group had a higher percentage of sealer penetration at the apical third. The PUI and QMiX protocol improved debris/smear layer removal and tubular dentin sealer penetration.
Highlights
This study aimed to compare the effect of conventional irrigation (CI) and passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and QMiX on the maximum depth and percentage of sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and to describe the cleaning of root canal walls by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
As a result of instrumentation, a 1- to 2-μm thick smear layer primarily composed of inorganic dentin is formed in the root canal walls and it should be removed during the final irrigation with chelating agents because it blocks the dentinal tubules, harboring necrotic debris and bacteria and their by-products[3]
Lower scores for debris/smear layer removal were achieved by the EDTA + PUI and QMiX + PUI groups in the apical and middle thirds when compared with the EDTA + CI and QMiX + CI groups (p < 0.05)
Summary
This study aimed to compare the effect of conventional irrigation (CI) and passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) with 17% EDTA and QMiX on the maximum depth and percentage of sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and to describe the cleaning of root canal walls by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As a result of instrumentation, a 1- to 2-μm thick smear layer primarily composed of inorganic dentin is formed in the root canal walls and it should be removed during the final irrigation with chelating agents because it blocks the dentinal tubules, harboring necrotic debris and bacteria and their by-products[3]. It limits the penetration of disinfectants and sealers into the dentinal tubules[4]. The penetration of sealer into the dentinal tubules is clinically important because adequate sealing may control infections and prevent recontamination[19]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
