Easy Clean Research Articles

Apical extrusion of sodium hypochlorite in immature teeth: comparison of three different cleaning protocols.

This study compared standard needle irrigation, passive ultrasonic irrigation, XP-Endo Finisher and Easy Clean in the apical extrusion of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in a model simulating immature teeth. Ten bovine teeth were maintained in suspension in a container with the apical portion in contact with 0.2% agarose gel containing 0.1% metacresol purple. The canals were irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl, according to each irrigation protocol. After 3 min, apical extrusion of NaOCl was observed by the colour gel change when in contact with NaOCl. The containers were photographed, and the NaOCl extrusion area was measured. All protocols showed NaOCl extrusion, providing similar area (P > 0.05). Considering the similarity among the studied protocols, all of them can be considered during the endodontic treatment of immature teeth. Further studies on the particularities of immature teeth should be performed to evaluate cell viability, cleaning efficiency, disinfection capacity and dentin removal promoted by the irrigation protocols.

Evaluation of the efficacy of XP-endo Finisher, Easy Clean, Passive ultrasonic irrigation, and conventional irrigation in the removal of calcium hydroxide in simulated internal root resorption cavities

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of 5 irrigation protocols in removing calcium hydroxide in simulated internal root resorption cavities. Eighteen extracted human teeth, upper anterior and uniradicular, were prepared up to size 50. The teeth were divided longitudinally, and internal root resorption cavities were made by acid demineralization using nitric acid. The same sample was submitted to the five irrigation protocols. The cavities and root canals were filled with Ultracal XS (Ultradent, South Jordan, UT, USA) and stored in an incubator at 37ºC for one week. Afterward, the irrigation protocols were carried out: XP-endo Finisher (XPF; FKG, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), Easy Clean (Bassi/Easy Equipamentos Odontológicos, Belo Horizonte, Brazil) with reciprocating movement (ECR), Easy Clean with continuous rotation (ECC) and conventional irrigation with a syringe (CI). The solutions used, 2.5% NaOCl, and 17% EDTA, were warmed. The total volume of irrigant used for each sample was 20 mL (10 mL of 2.5% NaOCl, 5 mL of 17% EDTA and 5 mL of distilled water). The amount of calcium hydroxide remaining in the internal resorption after irrigation was assessed using scores. The data were analyzed using the Pearson and Kruskal-Wallis (Dunn) tests. Significantly more calcium hydroxide was removed in the XPF group than all other sample groups (P < 0.0001). XPF was superior to the other methods tested to remove calcium hydroxide in teeth with simulated internal resorptions.

Irrigant Agitation Techniques versus Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation for Removing Debris from Curved Root Canals: An Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopic Study.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) versus mechanical agitation of the irrigant promoted by the EasyClean (EC) and XP-Endo Finisher (XP-F) systems in removing debris from root canal walls, using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Twelve curved mesiobuccal canals of mandibular molars were prepared with the ProTaper Next system up to file X2 (25/0.06). The specimens were embedded in flasks containing silicone putty, sectioned lengthwise, and a 4-mm long groove was made on the canal wall of the buccal half of the specimen, extending from 2 mm up to 6 mm short of the apex. Five cross-sectional markings were made along this groove to establish standardized locations for imaging. The same specimens were used to prepare a negative control group (without debris), a positive control group (completely covered by debris), and 3 experimental groups according to the final irrigation protocol employed: PUI, EC or XP-F. ESEM images were obtained and evaluated by 3 examiners. The amount of debris observed on the images was classified according to a 4-category scoring system. The kappa test was used to assess inter-examiner agreement, and the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests were used to compare the scores (P<0.05). The scores attributed to the PUI, EC, and XP-F groups were statistically similar to those attributed to the negative control group (P>0.05). Based on this in-vitro study, the mechanical agitation of the irrigant promoted by EC and XP-F was as effective as using PUI to remove debris from the root canal walls.

Smear layer removal by passive ultrasonic irrigation and 2 new mechanical methods for activation of the chelating solution.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare smear layer removal by conventional application (CA), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), EasyClean (EC), and XP-Endo Finisher (XPF), using 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) after chemomechanical preparation, as evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Materials and MethodsForty-five single-rooted human mandibular premolars were selected for this study. After chemomechanical preparation, the teeth were randomly divided into 5 groups according to the protocol for smear layer removal, as follows: G1 (control): CA of distilled water; G2 (CA): CA of 17% EDTA; G3 (PUI): 17% EDTA activated by PUI; G4 (EC): 17% EDTA activated by EC; and G5 (XPF): 17% EDTA activated by XPF. SEM images (×1,000) were obtained from each root third and scored by 3 examiners. Data were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (p < 0.05).ResultsIn the apical third, there were no statistically significant differences among the groups (p > 0.05). In the cervical and middle thirds, the experimental groups performed better than the control group (p < 0.05); however, G2 presented better results than G3, G4, and G5 (p < 0.05), which showed no differences among one another (p > 0.05).ConclusionsNo irrigation method was able to completely remove the smear layer, especially in the apical third. Using CA for the chelating solution performed better than any form of activation.

Effect of irrigation protocols on root canal wall after post preparation: a micro-CT and microhardness study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different post space irrigation protocols for removing residual filling material from dentin walls, by using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), and the influence of these protocols on dentin microhardness. Bovine incisors (n = 35) were filled with the single-cone technique and MTA Fillapex (Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brazil). Post space preparation (PSP) was performed 7 days after filling, using the Odous Touch electrical system (Odous De Deus Ind. e Com., Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil), followed by post space irrigation using manual irrigation, passive ultrasonic irrigation, or Easy Clean, together with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), or with 2.5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA (NaOCl/EDTA). Micro-CT scans were performed at three time points. The residual filling material was evaluated at three levels: cervical, middle and apical. The Knoop test was measured with four indentations around the canal lumen at three dentin depths: X (100 μm), Y (200 μm) and Z (400 μm). Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA (p < 0.05). The effects of the activation method (p < 0.001), and the root level (p = 0.013), as well as the interaction between the irrigant and the activation method (p = 0.041), led to different percentages of residual filling material. Lower amounts of residual filling material were observed at the cervical versus the middle and apical levels (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in dentin microhardness (p > 0.05). The best removal of the residual filling material was performed using the Easy Clean tip and NaOCl/EDTA, regardless of the activation methods.

Analysis of the ability of XP Clean and easy clean files to remove Calcium Hydroxide paste from simulated internal tooth resorptions

Aim: This study compared the ability of instruments XP Clean and Easy Clean to remove the calcium hydroxide paste from simulated internal root resorptions. Methodology: Thirty freshly extracted human lower incisors were sectioned through the long axis after biomechanical preparation with ProTaper files. On each half, a defect simulating an internal resorption was fabricated on the middle root canal third using a round bur. One week after insertion of calcium hydroxide paste, the teeth were divided into three groups according to the technique employed: G1-Conventional irrigation; G2-XP Clean and G3-Easy Clean. Each instrument was used in three cycles of 20 seconds, followed by renewal with 2 ml of irrigant. Thereafter, the specimens were analyzed on a stereoscopic magnifying glass to analyze the removal of dressing material. Results: Similar performance was observed for both methods employed, even though the rates of absence of removal were higher for the group Easy Clean compared to the group XP Clean. Conclusions: The XP Clean presented better results in removing the calcium hydroxide paste compared to Easy Clean, with statistically significant difference.

The Effectiveness of Three Irrigation Systems in the Enterococcus faecalis Reduction after Instrumentation with a Reciprocating Instrument.

Objective This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of three irrigation systems: EndoActivator, passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and Easy Clean in the reduction of Enterococcus faecalis , after instrumentation with the reciprocating system, through microbiological collection and culture method. Materials and Methods A total of 60 extracted human lower premolars were used and standardized at 16 mm in length. The teeth were accessed, contaminated with E. faecalis , and incubated for 21 days at 37°C. Initial collections (S1) were made with an absorbent paper cone to confirm the contamination; subsequently, instrumentation was performed with WaveOne Primary. The teeth were divided into four groups according to the final irrigation protocol ( n = 15): group 1. EndoActivator; group 2, PUI; group 3, Easy Clean; and group 4, control group irrigated with saline solution sterile and without agitation. In the final irrigation, the agitation of the 17% ethylene amine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) solutions was used, then 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); in both for this, three cycles of 20 seconds each. After the chemical–mechanical preparation and agitation of the irrigating solutions, the final collections (S2) for counting the colony-forming units (CFU/mL) occurred. Results The Kruskal–Wallis test revealed that all the agitation systems reduced by 100% and the control group by 65.7%. Conclusion The control group presented a significantly higher amount of CFU/mL after the chemical–mechanical preparation than the other groups, which were similar to each other ( p > 0.05).

Fabrication and Analysis of ZnO Quantum Dots Based Easy Clean Coating: A Combined Theoretical and Experimental Investigation

AbstractIn this work, ZnO QD have been synthesized and later characterized using Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). XRD has confirmed the crystalline structure and TEM provided an average particle size of ∼6 nm. Further, ZnO QD with different wt. % were incorporated into poly(vinylacetate)‐graft‐poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PVAc‐g‐PDMS) base matrix and several performance properties like water contact angle (CA), transparency and surface behavior were assessed. Molecular dynamics simulation helped to demonstrate that vdW and valence energy effectively control filler‐matrix interactions and ZnO QD filler significantly enhanced matrix‐substrate interaction. For this, Gaussian distribution function has been utilized to model surface roughness of PVAc‐g‐PDMS/ZnO coatings with randomized filler dispersion. Experimentally, scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirmed the presence of dual (micro and nano) scale grooves by ZnO QD alone due to their limited agglomeration, which helped to enhance water repellency by ∼16 % without compromising with transparency. Theoretical investigations reveal that the coating, formulated from non‐health hazardous materials, possessed good transparency (&gt;88 %), substrate adhesion (‐4045.33 kcal/mol), water (CA=109±2°) and decent oil (CA=69±2°) repellency, which agrees well with experimental results. Conclusively, 3 % ZnO QD in PVAc‐g‐PDMS is a useful coating material with optimal substrate adhesion, transparency and fluid repellency.

Dentinal Tubule Penetration of a Calcium Silicate-Based Root Canal Sealer Using a Specific Calcium Fluorophore.

This study aimed to evaluate penetrability on dentinal tubule of a new bioceramic sealer through confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). A specific fluorophore (Fluo-3) was mixed with the sealer. Forty distobuccal roots from maxillary molars were selected, and root canal preparation was carried out with Wave One Gold # 35.06 instruments. Roots were randomly assigned to 4 groups according to the filling procedures: Bioceramic/Lentulo (Sealer Plus BC); Bioceramic/EasyClean group, three activation of the sealer (3x20 s) with Easy Clean instrument; Bioceramic/Irrisonic: ultrasonic activation for 30 s; and AHplus/Lentulo: epoxy resin based sealer (AH Plus) was utilized with the same protocol as the BC/LE group. After 72 h, specimens were transversally sectioned at 2 and 7 mm from root apex and then analyzed through CLSM. Sealer penetration area on dentinal tubule was measured by Adobe Photoshop CC2018. Kruskal Wallis and Wilcoxon T tests were carried out. Penetrability results were similar for both sealers regardless of which technique was performed to activate them inside the root canal (p>0.05). It is reasonable to conclude that penetration of bioceramic and epoxy resin based sealers occurred unimpressively. The type of instrument used to activate bioceramic sealer did not affect penetrability. Fluo 3 should be recommended as the fluorophore to evaluate dentinal tubule penetration of bioceramic sealers.

Volumetric Analysis of Irrigant Extrusion in Immature Teeth after Different Final Agitation Techniques

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the volume of irrigant extrusion by different final agitation techniques in experimental models of immature teeth. MethodsFifteen single roots of mandibular premolars with a length of 14 mm and an open apex were used to form 6 groups according to the final agitation technique: group 1, positive pressure and no agitation; group 2, ultrasonic agitation with Irrisonic (Helse Dental Technology, Santa Rosa de Viterbo, Brazil); group 3, ultrasonic agitation with Irrisonic Power (Helse Dental Technology); group 4, mechanical agitation with Easy Clean (Easy Dental Equipment, Belo Horizonte, Brazil); group 5, mechanical agitation with XP-endo Finisher (FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland); and group 6, sonic agitation with Eddy (VDW, Munich, Germany). A prototype was made from an Eppendorf plastic tube filled with agar to fix the tooth and to collect the extruded irrigant. Ioditrast 76 (Justesa Imagen Mexicana, Tlalpan, Mexico) contrast solution was used to simulate the irrigant. The volume of irrigant extruded in cubic millimeters was calculated by micro–computed tomographic imaging. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests with a significance level of 5%. ResultsThe values for the volume of irrigant extruded were as follows: 0.67 (group 5), 0.76 (group 1), 2.28 (group 2), 3.14 (group 3), 3.15 (group 4), and 17.19 (group 6). There was a statistically significant difference (P < .05) when the values of group 6 were compared with those of the other groups. ConclusionsAll techniques caused irrigant extrusion. The higher extrusion values occurred when sonic agitation was performed with the Eddy instrument.

Efficacy of reciprocating and ultrasonic activation of 6% sodium hypochlorite in the reduction of microbial content and virulence factors in teeth with primary endodontic infection.

To evaluate in a clinical trial the efficacy of reciprocating and ultrasonic activation of 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in themicrobial composition and reduction in microbial load as well as in levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) in teeth with primary endodontic infections. Samples were collected from 24 root canals with pulp necrosis and periapical lesions, before and after chemo-mechanical canal preparation. The teeth were randomly divided according to the activation protocol as follows: control group without activation (WA, n=8), reciprocating activation group using Easy Clean tip (EC, n=8) and ultrasonic activation group using Irrisonic insert (US, n=8). Microbiological specimens were processed using a culture technique and microbiota composition was analysed using the checkerboard technique. The levels of LPS and LTA were quantified using limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn's and Wilcoxon's test with a significance level of P<0.05 were used for statistical analysis. All initial specimens had growth of viable bacteria in fastidious anaerobe agar (FAA), with an average of 105 CFUmL-1 , whereas only one case had such growth after chemo-mechanical canal preparation. LPS and LTA were recovered in 100% of the cases. Chemo-mechanical canal preparation significantly decreased the levels of LPS and LTA (P<0.05), but no significant differences were found between the groups (P>0.05). Through the checkerboard technique, bacteria were found in 100% of the initial specimens with concentrations between <105 and 106 . The most frequently identified microorganisms were Prevotella nigrescens and Enterococcus hirae. After chemo-mechanical canal preparation, many species were not detected in any ofthe three groups tested. A significant reduction occurred in Group US, followed by Groups EC and WA. Activation of 6% NaOCl reduced the levels of LPS and LTA with nodifferences between the groups. However, ultrasonic activation was associated with a greater reduction in microbial load within root canals.

Bacterial reduction in oval-shaped root canals after different irrigant agitation methods

Objective:This study aimed to assess the antibacterial effect of Easy Clean®, passive ultrasonic irrigation and sonic irrigation against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm in oval-shaped canals.Methods:Fifty-five extracted human teeth with similar dimensions were selected. Access cavities were prepared and the root canals were instrumented using Wave One® Primary files (25.08). The root canals were then contaminated with an E. faecalis suspension following incubation for thirty days. The contaminated roots were divided into three experimental groups (n=15) according to the irrigant agitation protocol (Easy Clean, passive ultrassonic irrigation and sonic irrigation), in addition to a positive control group (n=5) and a negative control group (n=5). Microbiological samples were taken from the root canals before instrumentation (S1), after instrumentation (S2) and after the final irrigation protocol (S3). The samples were assayed and incubated for 48 hours in order to obtain the residual titer of E. faecalis cells. Viable cells were quantified by colony-forming units (CFU) measurement. The collected data was submitted to statistical analysis by using Shapiro-Wilk`s test, Wilcoxon paired test, Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn’s post-hoc test. The level of significance was set at 5%.Results:All experimental groups presented significant reduction on bacterial load after instrumentation (P<0.05) with similar reduction among the groups. After the agitation protocols, significant reduction in bacterial load was demonstrated for all groups (P<0.05). However, no differences were shown among Easy Clean®, PUI and SI (P>0.05).Conclusion:The results showed that all tested groups exhibited similar disinfection effectiveness. However, none of them was able to render all root canals free from microorganisms.

Removal of Obturation Material from Root Canals Using a Combination of Reciprocal Instrumentation and Different Final Irrigation Techniques.

The predictability of successful non-surgical endodontic retreatment is directly related to it's ability to completely cleanse and remove obturation material from the canal system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the removal of gutta-percha from curved canals using three final irrigation methods: passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) with a 20/01 E1 insert (Irrisonic); XP-endo Finisher (XPF); and Easy Clean (EC). Forty mesial roots of mandibular molars with an angle of curvature between 10° and 20°, two canals, and independent foramina were cut into 16-mm sections. The canals were instrumented using the Reciproc system (R25) and filled with a #25 gutta-percha cone and AH-Plus sealer by the continuous-wave condensation technique. The roots were double-sealed with Coltosol and photopolymerizable resin and stored at 37°C and 100% humidity for 30 days. They were then randomized into 4 groups (n=10): control (C), PUI, XPF, and EC. All specimens were scanned using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and fill volume data (in square pixels) were calculated before retreatment, after retreatment, and after final irrigation. The images were analyzed using Tps Dig software 2.32 by two blinded, calibrated examiners (intra-class correlation coefficient=0.9967). The results were analyzed in BioEstat 4.0. The nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post-hoc and Friedman comparison were applied. Significance was accepted at 5% (P<0.05). None of the final irrigation protocols completely removed remnants of obturation material from the root canal systems (P>0.05). On comparative analysis with specimens divided into thirds, all methods were found to remove material equally, with no significant differences (P>0.05). Based on this in vitro study, the additional cleaning methods tested were equivalent to each other and did not lead to an improvement in the removal of residual obturation material.

Análise da remoção do hidróxido de cálcio de canais radiculares bovinos com diferentes técnicas através da microscopia eletrônica de varredura

Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da remoção de Ca (OH)2 do canal radicular, comparando o uso de limas manuais, Easy Clean e irrigação ultrassônica passiva (IUP). Método: Trinta dentes incisivos bovinos foram utilizados neste estudo. Os canais radiculares foram preparados e as amostras foram divididas aleatoriamente em 3 grupos de acordo com a técnica utilizada para a remoção do Ca(OH)2 (n = 10): G1: limas manuais; G2: lima Easy Clean; G3: IUP. Após quinze dias, os espécimes foram seccionados e processados para observação dos terços médio e apical utilizando microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Um avaliador cego e calibrado atribuiu escores a cada espécime. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos ao teste de Kruskal-Wallys, seguido do teste de Dunn. Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa na remoção do Ca(OH)2 entre a lima manual e a Easy Clean e entre Easy Clean e IUP. A técnica de IUP removeu significativamente mais Ca(OH)2 quando comparado com o grupo lima manual. Nenhuma das técnicas testadas removeu completamente o Ca(OH)2 das paredes do canal radicular. Conclusão: Independentemente da técnica utilizada, nenhum dos protocolos testados removeu completamente o Ca(OH)2 do canal radicular. Entretanto, a irrigação ultrassônica passiva foi mais eficaz do que o grupo das limas manuais.

Computed microtomography evaluation of calcium hydroxide‐based root canal dressing removal from oval root canals by different methods of irrigation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of conventional irrigation, passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and Easy Clean for removing calcium hydroxide-based root canal dressing from oval root canals. Thirty mandibular uniradicular incisors with oval canals were used, and subjected to chemical-mechanical preparation with Reciproc R40 instruments. The main canal was filled with a paste based on Ca(OH)2 P.A., iodoform and propylene glycol in the ratio of 3:1:1. The teeth were stored in 100% humidity at a temperature of 37°C for 14 days. Afterwards, the teeth were divided into three groups (n = 10) according to the method of irrigation used (conventional irrigation, PUI, and Easy Clean). The specimens were analyzed by computed microtomography at three time intervals: before placing the root canal dressing, with the root canal dressing in place, and after application of the irrigation methods for removing it. The data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests for analyzing the canal as a whole, and Friedman and Dunn for analyzing the root thirds. The results showed that conventional irrigation was less efficient for removing the root canal dressing in comparison with the methods that agitated the irrigant solution (p < .05). When the root canal was analyzed as a whole, Easy Clean, and PUI were similar (p > .05). In analysis of the thirds, Easy Clean was more efficient than conventional irrigation in all the thirds, while PUI showed this behavior only in the cervical third (p < .05). The authors concluded that in oval canals, none of the irrigation methods were capable of removing all the root canal dressing, however, the methods that agitated the irrigant solution were more efficient than conventional irrigation.

Efficacy of passive ultrasonic irrigation, continuous ultrasonic irrigation versus irrigation with reciprocating activation device in penetration into main and simulated lateral canals.

Context:The use of chemicals solutions and means of activation is of utmost importance in endodontic treatment.Aims:This study compared three activation techniques used in the final irrigation of the endodontic treatment.Subjects and Methods:Eighty uniradicular teeth were instrumented with the Protaper Universal system up to F4 file. After decalcification, the teeth had artificial lateral canals created at 2, 4.5 and 6 mm from working length (WL). The groups were randomly divided into four groups (n = 20): control group (C), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) group, continuous ultrasonic irrigation (CUI) group, and easy clean (EC) group. The penetration of the irrigant into the samples was evaluated using image observation using the Image J program.Statistical Analysis Used:The level of agreement among the observers was determined by the Cronbach's alpha test. The likelihood ratio test was used to evaluate possible differences between the groups and the Kendall's W statistic test to verify possible differences between the irrigant penetration levels in the lateral canals. The Fisher's exact test was applied to verify differences by the studied group considering the WL variables and lateral canals.Results:The results showed no statistical difference in the penetration of the irrigator in the main canal when compared to the C, PUI, CUI, and EC groups (P > 0.05).Conclusions:The method using a positive syringe and needle pressure was not able to effectively carry the irrigator to the artificially made lateral canals, whereas PUI, CUI, and EC were equally efficient in this regard (P < 0.01).

Estratégias para otimizar a remoção da camada de smear do sistema de canais radiculares

Objetivo: avaliar os diferentes métodos de agitação da solução de irrigação com base nos dados da literatura existente, comparando o uso de EndoActivator, EndoVac, sistema Easy Clean, Xp-Endo Finisher, Fluxo Fotoacústico Induzido por Fótons (PIPS) e Irrigação Ultrassônica Passiva (PUI). ) associado a agentes químicos na remoção da smear layer do RCS. Material e Métodos: Foram selecionados 28 artigos de periódicos, 2 livros, 2 monografias e 6 dissertações sobre as diferentes alternativas para a remoção de smear layer do RCS nas bases de dados PUBMED - National Institutes of Health dos Estados Unidos da National Library of Medicine; SCIELO - Scientific Eletronic Library Online e MEDLINE - MedLars Online. Resultados: como uma alternativa de remoção da smear layer para melhorar a sanitização do RCS e aumentar a taxa de sucesso do tratamento endodôntico, diferentes técnicas de irrigação têm sido propostas, incluindo a agitação da solução de irrigação de maneira mecânica, sonora ou ultra-sônica, Instrumentos Ni-Ti, plásticos e energia laser. Conclusão: muitos estudos comprovam a eficácia dos diferentes métodos de agitação da solução irrigadora na remoção da smear layer, contribuindo para o processo de sanitização do sistema de canais radiculares.

Comparisons by microcomputed tomography of the efficiency of different irrigation techniques for removing dentinal debris from artificial grooves.

Aim:The aim of this study was compare the capacity of different irrigation protocols for debris removal from artificial grooves and assess the effectiveness of Easy Clean used in different kinematics by means of micro-CT.Methodology:Fifty acrylic prototyped maxillary incisors were instrumented and included in a muffle. The specimens were longitudinally sectioned, and a longitudinal groove was made on the inner surface of the root canal in one of hemisections, and the dentin debris was inserted into the grooves. The specimens were divided into five groups (n = 10): G1: Conventional with open-ended needle; G2: Conventional with double side-vented needle; G3: Easy Clean in reciprocating movement; G4: Easy clean in continuous rotation (ECCR); and G5: Passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI). All specimens were scanned using microcomputed tomography before and after the irrigation technique and calculated the volume (mm3) of dentin debris. The paired t-test and post hoc Tukey test were the statistical tests used, with significance set at 5%.Results:There were no significant difference (P > 0.05) between PUI and ECCR. ECCR was significantly (P < 0.05) more effective than the groups of conventional irrigation techniques.Conclusions:PUI and ECCR favored the removal of a larger volume of dentin debris from the groove.

Evaluation of Influence of Widening Apical Preparation of Root Canals on Efficiency of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid Agitation Protocols: Study by Scanning Electron Microscopy

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of widening the apical root canal preparation (RCP) on the efficiency of different ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) agitation protocols on smear layer removal: EDTA; EDTA + Easy Clean in rotary movement (ECROT); EDTA + Easy Clean in reciprocating movement (ECREC); and EDTA + Passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI). A total of 80 mandibular premolars had their crowns sectioned and then were divided into two groups according to widening: size 25 or 40, 0.08 taper. Sequentially they were once again allocated to subgroups according to the agitation protocol performing eight experimental groups (n = 10). Ten additional teeth were prepared for controls (C+/C-). The specimens were then submitted to the cleaning protocols and thereafter cleaved and microphotographed by variable pressure scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at previously determined points along their root thirds (750*). Scores were attributed to the images, and data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis, Student-Newman-Keuls and Friedman tests. A higher widening was observed to have a positive influence on cleaning efficiency offering significant differences in global and apical third evaluations (p < 0.05). Relative to the agitation, significant differences were observed mainly in the apical third, with PUI and ECROT providing the best results (p < 0.05); no difference for C+ was observed when higher widening was employed. A greater widening of the apical third provided a significant improvement in the action of the agitation/activation protocols. Moreover, the PUI and ECROT activation methods were shown to be superior to the use of EDTA solely, particularly in the apical third. The findings of this study reinforce the need for clinical use of additional methods to complement cleaning. Therefore, it is important for professionals to have knowledge and command of these protocols to obtain more satisfactory results.

Effectiveness of different final irrigation techniques and placement of endodontic sealer into dentinal tubules

The aim of this study was to compare two irrigation techniques and four devices for endodontic sealer placement into the dentinal tubules. Ninety-nine single-rooted human teeth were instrumented and allocated to either the control (CO) (n=11) or experimental groups according to the irrigation method: syringe and NaveTip needle (NT) (n=44), and EndoActivator (EA) (n=44). These groups were subdivided according to sealer placement into K-File (KF), lentulo spiral (LS), Easy Clean (EC), and EndoActivator (EA) subgroups. Moreover, the distances of 5 mm and 2 mm from the apex were analyzed. The teeth were obturated with AH Plus and GuttaCore X3. Analyses were performed by scanning electron microscopy associated to cathodoluminescence. The percentage and maximum depth of sealer penetration were measured. Data were evaluated by three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Games-Howell test (p<0.05). EA was superior to NT in percentage of sealer penetration. EC was significantly superior to EA (subgroup) for sealer penetration, and both improved the percentage of sealer penetration when compared to LS. Better sealer penetration was observed at the distance of 5 mm from the apex. Sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules was significantly improved by sonic irrigant activation.