Final Irrigation Protocol Research Articles

EVALUATION OF THE DENTINAL TUBULE PENETRATION OF AN ENDODONTIC BIOCERAMIC SEALER AFTER THREE FINAL IRRIGATION PROTOCOLS

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the dentinal tubule penetration of an endodontic bioceramic sealer, Sealer Plus BC, after three final irrigation protocols. Methods: Thirty distobuccal roots of maxillary molars were selected. Root canal preparation was performed up to an #40.06 instrument (X1 Blue) under 2.5% sodium hypochlorite irrigation. Specimens were randomly divided into three groups (n=10), according to the final irrigation protocol: G-NaOCl (2.5% sodium hypochlorite + PUI), G-SS (0.9% saline solution + PUI) and G-H20 (Deionized water + PUI). After final irrigation protocols, all specimens were irrigated with phosphate buffer solution. Root canal obturation was performed using the single cone technique and Sealer Plus BC, stained with a specific fluorophore. Specimens were transversely sectioned and each root third was evaluated in a confocal scanning laser microscopy. Images obtained were analyzed for sealer penetration in the dentinal tubules. Results: Dentinal tubule penetration of Sealer Plus BC was not observed in any root third, regardless of the final irrigation protocol investigated. Conclusions: Sealer Plus BC dentinal tubule penetration was not observed after none of the protocols tested. Dentinal tubule penetrability of Sealer Plus BC may be related to other factors rather than the final irrigation protocol.

Post-operative Pain after Different Root Canal Irrigant Activation Methods in Patients with Acute Apical Periodontitis (Randomized Clinical Trial)

Objective To evaluate the degree of postoperative pain in patients with necrotic teeth with symptomatic apical periodontitis after applying ultrasonic irrigation or manual dynamic agitation.
 Methods Seventy-eight patients diagnosed with necrotic mandibular first molar with symptomatic apical periodontitis were randomly allocated into 1 of 3 separate groups (n=26); Manual Dynamic Agitation group, Ultra X group, or NaviTip group (control). After a single-visit root canal treatment and a specific method of agitation, depending on each group, the patients were given a questionnaire on which they would mark the degree of pain in a scale from 0 to 10 at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 hours and 7 days post-operative. Data were statistically analyzed with a significance level of P ≤ 0.05.
 Results Final irrigation protocol including Ultrasonic agitation and NaviTip (control) groups showed significantly lower values of pain than the MDA group. There was a reduction in pain values by time in all groups.
 Conclusion There was significantly less pain associated with passive ultrasonic agitation and side vented needle (NaviTip) irrigation compared to Manual Dynamic Agitation.

Comparative Assessment of Qmix as Endodontic Irrigant on Reversal of Bond Strength in Teeth Subjected to Irradiation: An Scanning Electron Microscope Study

The aim of this current study was to compare and evaluate the reversal efficacy of Qmix and chitosan-based irrigation materials quantitatively through the assessment of the push-out bond strength of bioceramic sealer employing universal testing machine and to qualitatively analyze the sealer/dentin interface by scanning electron microscope (SEM) in the teeth subjected to fractioned radiation. Ninety single-rooted straight human maxillary central incisors were randomly divided into six groups (n = 15) where in three groups comprise Chitosan, Qmix, and EDTA/sodium hypochlorite which were not exposed to irradiation while other three groups were challenged with irradiation protocols. Root canals were prepared with ProTaper universal system and all the samples were irrigated according to the final irrigation protocols and obturated with bioceramic sealers. Dentin slices were prepared with 1 mm thickness from each root third for the estimation of bond strength of sealers to dentin. Qualitative assessment of the sealer-dentin interface was done by scanning electron microscopy. Bond strength data were scrutinized by independent t-test and failure modes using the Chi-square test. Significantly lower bond strength (p <0.05) was recorded after irradiation compared with nonirradiated group. To quantify the results irrigation protocols, Qmix had highest bond strength followed by chitosan and EDTA/sodium hypochlorite group irrespective of irradiation status. Bond strength values reduced after irradiation in all root thirds irrespective of the irrigation materials. Scanning electron microscope images revealed traces of repair process for Qmix-based irrigation materials than the chitosan-based materials for both irradiated and nonirradiated specimens. All the irrigation materials employed in this study had good bond strength. The specimen irrigated with Qmix had comparatively higher bond strength than the chitosan-based materials. The teeth subjected to irradiation challenge were associated with a decrease in the push-out bond strength of sealers to intraradicular dentin with formation of more gaps and fewer tags at the sealer/dentin interface. Selection of ideal irrigation protocols still remains a challenge for the clinical practitioners, and this study explored the utilization of novel materials used for irrigation, especially in the teeth subjected to radiation.

Micro-CT evaluation of four final irrigation protocols on hard-tissue debris removal from mesial roots of mandibular molars containing isthmus.

To evaluate by means of microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), the efficacy of four final irrigation protocols in the removal of hard-tissue debris (HTD) in mesial roots of mandibular molars containing isthmus. Forty standardized mesial roots of extracted mandibular molars presenting isthmus were selected. The root canals were prepared and randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 10): EA, EndoActivator (Dentsply Sirona); EC, Easy Clean (Easy Dental Equipment, Belo Horizonte, Brazil); XPF, XP-Endo Finisher (FKG Dentaire, La Chaus-de Fonds, Switzerland); and PUI, passive ultrasonic irrigation using Irrisafe tip (Satelec Acteon, Merignac, France). Each final irrigation protocol was performed in two cycles (60s), using, respectively, 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA. Micro-CT scans were obtained pre-operatory, post-preparation, and post-irrigation. The percentage of HTD reduction was calculated. Data was analyzed statistically (ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis, significance set at 5%). The percentage of HTD reduction was greatest for the XPF group (77.92%), followed by EA (62.92%), PUI (47.48%), and EC (32.65%). Statistical differences (p < .05) were found between XPF and EC only. A significant difference (p < .05) was found between XPF and EC in all thirds and between PUI and EC in the middle third. XPF, EA, and PUI were similarly effective in HTD reduction. However, none of the evaluated protocols was able to completely remove all the debris. Final irrigation protocols aim to clean the canal complexities that are not addressed by the shaping procedures. Micro-CT allowed to assess the removal of hard-tissue debris in the isthmus and canals of mandibular molars.

Final irrigation protocols affect radicular dentin DMP1-CT expression, microhardness, and biochemical composition.

To evaluate the effect of several final irrigation protocols on radicular dentin microhardness, biochemical composition, and DMP1-CT expression. A total of 140 single-rooted human teeth were prepared with WaveOne Gold files and randomly distributed into 7 groups (n = 20) according to the final irrigation protocol: distilled water (DW); sodium hypochlorite-EDTA (NaOCl-EDTA); EDTA (EDTA); EDTA-NaOCl (EDTA-NaOCl); EDTA-chlorhexidine (EDTA-CHX); passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI:NaOCl-EDTA); and PUI:NaOCl-EDTA-NaOCl. Dentin microhardness (n = 10) was evaluated in the root canal lumen using Vickers hardness tester. Immunohistochemical analysis (n = 5) was used to evaluate DMP1-CT expression. Dentin ultrastructure and biochemical composition were evaluated by using Raman and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) (n = 5) with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test were performed (p˂0.05). Raman spectra of the organic content and DMP1-CT expression were lower at the lumen canal in EDTA-NaOCl, PUI:NaOCl-EDTA, and PUI:NaOCl-EDTA-NaOCl when compared to control (p < 0.05). EDAX showed reduced values for calcium and phosphorus in EDTA-NaOCl, PUI:NaOCl-EDTA, and PUI:NaOCl-EDTA-NaOCl. SEM microphotography's showed completely cleaned dentin, permeable tubules, and dentin erosion, mainly when PUI was used. NaOCl-EDTA presented significantly higher microhardness values than PUI:NaOCl-EDTA-NaOCl (p < 0.05). PUI:NaOCl-EDTA-NaOCl exhibited the lowest Vickers hardness values of all groups. The final irrigation protocols that used a final rinse with NaOCl and PUI showed a detrimental effect on radicular dentin DMP1-CT expression, biochemical composition, and microhardness. The adequate irrigation protocol could be advantageous to preserve the radicular dentin ultrastructure, promote adequate adhesion, and sustain favorable conditions for biomineralization and regeneration.

The Effect of Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation or XP-Endo Finisher on Post-Operative Pain in Patients with Necrotic Teeth with Apical Periodontitis (Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial)

Objective To evaluate the effect of passive ultrasonic irrigation or XP-Endo Finisher on post-operative pain in patients with necrotic teeth with apical periodontitis using (VAS) scale at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 hours, and 7 day time intervals.&#x0D; Methods Seventy-eight patients diagnosed with necrotic mandibular first molar with symptomatic apical periodontitis were randomly allocated into 1 of 3 separate groups (n=26); Navitip group (control), XP-Endo Finisher group, or Ultra X group. After a single visit root canal treatment and a specific method of agitation, depending on each group, the patients were given a questionnaire on which the patient would mark the degree of pain in a scale from 0 to 10 at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 hours and 7 days post-obturation. Data were statistically analyzed with a significance level of P ≤ 0.05.&#x0D; Results Ultrasonic agitation and XP-Endo Finisher agitation as a final irrigation protocol showed significantly lower pain values than the control group, but there was no significant difference in pain values between the experimental groups.&#x0D; Conclusion There was significantly less pain associated with ultrasonic and XP-Endo Finisher agitation compared to Navitip irrigation.

Comparative evaluation of root canal dentin erosion after using different smear layer removing solutions for root canal irrigation by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS): An in-vitro study

Objective: To evaluate and compare the effect of different final irrigating solutions (17% EDTA, Smear Clear, QMix and BioPure MTAD) on root canal dentin erosion in the coronal, middle and apical third of root by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Materials and Methods: A total of 105 recently extracted mandibular premolars were taken and decoronated to a standardized root length of 12mm. They were prepared using ProTaper system up to size F3. Initial rinse was done with sodium hypochlorite. After completion of root canal preparation, all root canals were subjected to final irrigation protocol. Group 1 was irrigated with 17% EDTA for 1 min. Group 2 was irrigated with Smear Clear for 1 min. Group 3 was irrigated with QMix for 1 min. Group 4 was irrigated with MTAD for 5 min. Group 5 was irrigated with distilled water. Out of 21 samples in each group, 10 were analysed by SEM and 11 were analysed by EDS. Results: The results of the SEM analysis revealed that the use of 17% EDTA and Smear Clear resulted in significantly more erosion than the use of QMix and MTAD. No statistically significant difference was observed at the coronal, middle and apical thirds in the amount of dentin erosion. The results of EDS analysis revealed that all treatment groups significantly decreased calcium content in comparison to control group. However, no significant difference was observed among EDTA, Smear Clear, Qmix and MTAD in decreasing calcium levels in dentin. Conclusion: BioPure MTAD and QMiX cause negligible dentin erosion and thus can be used as alternative final irrigating solutions after sodium hypochlorite instead of EDTA and Smear Clear.

The Effect of the Ultrasonic Irrigant Activation Protocol on the Removal of a Dual-species Biofilm from Artificial Lateral Canals

IntroductionLateral canals are particularly challenging to clean and disinfect. The aim of this study was to compare the removal efficacy of a dual-species biofilm from a lateral canal model by different ultrasonic irrigant activation protocols in vitro. MethodsArtificial root canal models with 270 simulated lateral canals were made of polydimethylsiloxane. A dual-species biofilm (Streptococcus oralis and Actinomyces naeslundi) was grown in vitro in the lateral canals using a constant depth film fermenter. Two percent NaOCl or demineralized water was delivered by a syringe and an open-ended needle for 30 seconds and subsequently activated by an ultrasonic file for a total activation time of 30, 60, or 90 seconds divided in 1 or 3 consecutive activation cycles. In the control groups, the irrigant was allowed to rest for 30, 60, or 90 seconds. The volume of the biofilm in the lateral canal was evaluated before and after the final irrigation protocol by optical coherence tomography. The results were analyzed by 3-way factorial analysis of variance (α = 0.05). ResultsIrrigation with NaOCl rather than demineralized water resulted in more effective biofilm removal from the lateral canal (P < .001). Three cycles of intermittent ultrasonic activation were significantly more effective than no activation (P = .029). The total irrigant contact time did not affect biofilm removal (P = .403). ConclusionsThe type of the irrigant and the ultrasonic activation protocol affected biofilm removal from artificial lateral canals. None of the compared protocols was able to eradicate the biofilm.

Heat-treated NiTi instruments and final irrigation protocols for biomechanical preparation of flattened canals.

This study evaluate shaping ability of heat-treated NiTi-alloy instruments associated with different final irrigation protocols in flattened root canals. Thirty human mandibular incisors with flattened root canals were divided into 5 groups (n = 10): (XP) Original Protocol XP-endo Shaper; (XP-WT) Original Protocol XP-endo Shaper with working time variation; (XP-K) XP-endo Shaper with kinematics variation; (XP-WTK) XP-endo Shaper with kinematics and working time variations; (Hyflex) Hyflex CM. For the variation in working time protocols the same sample of the XP-endo Shaper groups with and without kinematic variation were used. To evaluate final irrigation protocols, groups 1, 3 and 5 were submitted to 3 protocols: (NI) No irrigation (n = 2); (CI) conventional irrigation (n = 4), and (EndoVac) irrigation (n = 4). The samples were scanned by microcomputed tomography and prepared for scanning electron microscopy evaluation. Quantitative data were evaluated using the parametric ANOVA test, with statistical significance level set at 5%, and qualitative data obtained were compared to establish the agreement between examiners through the Kappa test. It was observed that in the analysis of XP-endo Shaper protocols, the additional working time did not cause difference in any of parameters evaluated (p > 0.05) in relation to time recommended by manufacturer. Compared to Hyflex, XP-K showed highest mean volume increase (p < 0.05) and lowest percentage of untouched walls (p < 0.05). In the qualitative evaluation, final irrigation protocol with EndoVac provided the best cleaning results when associated with XP-K and with Hyflex. Thus, supplementary techniques are effective tools to enhance cleaning and to promote higher touch of walls during root canal preparation.

Evaluation of Different Agitation Techniques on Smear Layer Formation and Dentine Erosions- An In Vitro Study.

This study was performed to assess smear layer formation and erosion after final irrigation protocols with metal and non-metal tips in the apical third of root canals. Forty mandibular premolars were instrumented with ProTaper Gold files up to F3 and embedded in a closed silicone flask system. The teeth were subsequently cleaved and 4 sequential indentations (1 to 4 mm from the apical foramen) were prepared on the buccal root canal walls to standardize sites for environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) imaging. The samples were cleaned in an ultrasonic bath and observed under ESEM (controls), reassembled and divided into four groups (n=10 each) and subjected to different final irrigation protocols; XPF Group (XP-endo Finisher) and PUI Group (passive ultrasonic irrigation) with metal tips; EA Group (EndoActivator) and MDA Group (Manual dynamic agitation) with non-metal tips. The smear layer formation and dentine erosion were evaluated using ESEM. The data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis test with Bonferroni correction. In comparison to the control groups, XPF group had significantly increased smear layer formation at 1 and 2 mm (P<0.05). PUI group had significantly higher smear layer (P<0.05) formation at 3mm while EA and MDA groups did not present with significantly higher smear layer at all levels. Erosion was significantly higher (P<0.05) in MDA, XPF and PUI groups at all levels when compared to controls while EA group presented with significantly more erosion only at 2 and 3 mm. Final irrigation protocol using EA and MDA with non-metal tips did not result in significant smear layer formation. Dentine erosion was observed after all experimental irrigation protocols. (EEJ-2021-12-194).

Evaluation of Bacterial Reduction at Various Stages of Endodontic Retreatment After Use of Different Disinfection Regimens: An In Vivo Study.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the presence of aerobic bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, E. faecalis, F. nucleatum, Propionibacteria sp., Actinomyces sp., and their reduction at various stages of endodontic retreatment with the use of conventional protocol (5.25 % Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) as the irrigant along with Calcium Hydroxide (Ca (OH)2) as intracanal medicament and advocated protocol (SmearOFF as the irrigant along with 2% Chlorhexidine (CHX) gel as intracanal medicament). Twenty eight patients fulfilling the eligibility criteria were selected for root canal retreatment and randomly allocated into two groups. Group 1: Final irrigant as SmearOFF+Chlorhexidine 2% gelas intracanal medicament (n=14). Group 2: Final irrigant as 5.25% NaOCl+Ca(OH)2 as intracanal medicament (n=14). With aseptic environment, access opening was performed followed by Gutta Percha (GP) removal and sample S1 was collected for bacterial analysis. The biomechanical preparation was done by using Reciproc system with additional finishing with XP-Endo Finisher R. Sample S2 was then collected for bacterial analysis after the final irrigation protocol in the respective groups. Intracanal medicaments were placed for one week and sample S3 was collected. All the samples were subjected to qualitative analysis using PCR and quantification was done by Colony Forming Unit (CFU) analysis. Aerobic [28/28], Anaerobic [28/28], Propionibacterium sp. [20/28] and F. nucleatum [24/28] were the most frequently isolated in S1 sample followed by Actinomyces sp. [16/28] and E. faecalis sp. [19/28]. Chemico-mechanical preparation followed by irrigation (S2 sample) resulted in significant reduction of all types of bacteria in both groups. Group-1 (SmearOFF as the final irrigant) had significantly superior efficacy against aerobic bacteria, E. faecalis and F. nucleatum (P<0.05) as compared to Group-2 (NaOCl). After medicament placement, significant differences between the groups were noted only for the E. Faecalis group. For the S3 samples, the mean bacterial reduction was significant in Aerobic and F. nucleatum in S3 samples for Group 1 and Group 2. Chemico-mechanical preparation followed by irrigation resulted in significant reduction in bacterial load irrespective of the final irrigant. SmearOFF was significantly better than NaOCl in minimizing bacterial load of E. faecalis and F. nucleatum. 2% Chlorhexidine gel has superior antimicrobial efficacy against E. faecalis and may be recommended in secondary endodontic treatment.

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis of activated chelating agents in different final rinse protocols: An ex vivo study.

BackgroundTo evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the following chelating agents against Enterococcus faecalis using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis: 1% peracetic acid (PA), 1% peracetic acid with 0.1% cetrimide (PAC), and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) activated by passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) or with Easy Clean (EC), all followed by 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Material and MethodsA total of 80 permanent human mandibular premolars were randomly divided into eight experimental groups according to the chemical solution and agitation protocol used: Group PA + PUI; Group PA + EC; Group PAC + PUI; PAC + EC; group EDTA + PUI; EDTA + EC, all followed by 2.5% NaOCl; and two control groups with saline solution(NaCl): NaCl + PUI and NaCl + EC. Microbial samples were collected before (S1) and after the irrigation protocol (S2). Intracanal E. faecalis reduction analysis was performed by qPCR. Intragroup analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired data, and intergroup analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U test for independent samples. The significance level was set at p< 0.05. ResultsA significant difference was found between S1 and S2 in all groups except NaCl+ EC (p = 0.1602). Comparison between groups showed that PAC + PUI was significantly different from PA +EC (p = 0.0448). ConclusionsThe activated chelating agents were effective against E. faecalis, with significant results compared to the control groups. The peracetic acid with cetrimide activated by PUI showed better results than peracetic acid with EC. Key words:Easy clean, Final irrigation protocols, Passive ultrasonic irrigation, Peracetic acid.

Avaliação ex vivo da eficácia do XP-endo Finisher na remoção de smear layer do canal radicular

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of XP-endo Finisher (XP) on removal of the smear layer in root canals by comparing different irrigation protocols. Methods: Seventy-two human single-rooted teeth were similarly instrumented using R25 Reciproc files (VDW, Munich, Germany) applied in reciprocating mode with a VDW GOLD endo motor (VDW, Munich, Germany). The working length was determined at 1 mm short of the apical foramen. The canals were irrigated with 5 mL of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite during instrumentation. The teeth were divided at random into six groups (n=12). A control group, which was not submitted to the final irrigation protocol, and five experimental groups with different irrigants and agitation techniques: EDTA/File, EDTA/XP, EDTA/Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI), Distilled Water (DW)/XP, and DW/PUI). Smear layer removal quality scores were assessed in the apical, middle, and cervical thirds of the root canal based on images obtained by scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by two-by-two comparisons with the Dunn test (α=5%). Results: EDTA/File, EDTA/PUI, and EDTA/XP groups demonstrated significantly lower scores than the other groups (P&lt;0.05) in all thirds evaluated. No significant difference was observed between the groups in which distilled water was used and the control group in all thirds evaluated (P&gt; 0.05). Conclusion: The XP-endo Finisher file did not increase the efficiency of EDTA in removal of the smear layer in root canals.

Comparative evaluation of push-out bond strength of bioceramic and epoxy sealers after using various final irrigants: An in vitro study.

Aim:The aim of the study is to compare the push-out bond strength of bioceramic and epoxy sealers after using various final irrigants.Materials and Methods:Hundred single-rooted teeth were divided into two groups (n = 50) according to the sealer used: Group A: Bio C (bioceramic sealer), Group B: Dia-Proseal (epoxy sealer). Each group was subdivided into five subgroups (n = 10) according to the final irrigation protocol: Group A1 and B1 – 5% glycolic acid (GA), Group A2 and B2 – 17% GA, Group A3 and B3 – 0.2% chitosan, Group A4 and B4 – 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and Group A5 and B5 – 0.9% saline. Samples were obturated in combination with one of the mentioned sealers and were allowed to set for 1 week. Two horizontal slices were obtained from each sample and subjected to push-out test.Statistical Analysis:The data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA and independent Student's t-test.Results:Both the sealers exhibited higher push-out bond strength after treatment with GA with no significant difference between 5% and 17% GA. Bio C sealer with GA as final irrigant showed higher bond strength than Dia-Proseal (P < 0.05).Conclusion:The push-out bond strength of the sealer was significantly affected by the final irrigation solution used. The highest push-out bond strength was seen with Bio C sealer after treatment with GA with no significant difference between 5% and 17% GA.

Multiparameter image analysis to evaluate dentinal tubules patency after using different irrigation protocols

Background: Scoring systems have been used to evaluate dentinal tubule patency in several papers; however, these conventional systems are time-consuming and rely primarily on evaluator estimation with a wide range of subjective variations. Objectives: A multiparameter, simple, and objective method is introduced to evaluate the ability of different irrigation protocols for smear layer removal and dentinal tubule patency enhancement. To show the applicability of this method, the effect of different irrigation regimens was evaluated. Methods: Ninety extracted single-rooted teeth were decapitated and shaped with ProTaper to size F4. According to the final irrigation protocol, specimens were divided into three groups: Group 1 (final irrigation of SmearOFF), Group 2 (17% EDTA), and Group 3 (negative control). Groups 1 and 2 were subdivided into two subgroups: Subgroup (A) was activated by an ultrasonic file, whereas samples in Subgroup (B) did not receive any activation. Samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Images were analyzed using ImageJ software, and the multiparameter image analysis method (relative total surface area, average size, and the number of opened dentinal tubules) was applied. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey’s post hoc test, was applied to reveal any significant differences (P < 0.05) among groups, activation techniques, and root thirds. Results: Passive ultrasonic activation led to a significant increase in the patency of dentinal tubules especially at the apical third, which was measured and shown by the triple parameter method. Conclusion: Digital image analysis shows potential and advantages for the objective evaluation of dentinal tubules and should replace the traditional subjective scoring system method.

Efeito da crioterapia intracanal no controle da dor pós-operatória após terapia endodôntica: uma revisão de literatura

Aim: The aim of this literature review is to investigate and critically analyze the use of intracanal cryotherapy during endodontic treatment and, through scientific findings, elaborate well grouded references that justify or not, carrying out such auxiliary protocol during endodontic intervention. Literature Review: The therapeutic alternative known as cryotherapy is a technique that has existed for years, which has been frequently applied in Medicine for the treatment of pain and postoperative care. Recently, the use of cryotherapy in Endodontics, through a final root canal irrigation protocol, has been examined in several randomized clinical trials. Discussion: The reviewed studies showed that the use of cold saline solution as a final irrigating agent for chemical-mechanical preparation has the potential to reduce pain levels of a possible painful symptomatology after endodontic treatment, in addition to being a method of easy application and low cost. Conclusion: Although there are few studies on the subject, scientific evidences available and reviewed in this article properly support the effect of intracanal cryotherapy in reducing the postoperative pain of an endodontic intervention. However, new studies should be placed to investigate possible harmful effects and to prepare a predictable and safe protocol.

Effectiveness of XP-Endo Finisher and Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation in the Removal of the Smear Layer Using two Different Chelating Agents.

Statement of the Problem: The smear layer may harbor microorganisms and necrotic pulp tissue, jeopardizing irrigant penetration. Recently, Dual Rinse®, a weak chelating agent, has been introduced to the market. However, its chelating capacity in the final irrigation protocol with different activation systems has not yet been deeply analyzed.Purpose: The aim of this ex vivo study was to evaluate the effectiveness of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and XP-endo Finisher (XP) on smear layer removal in combination with two chelating agents, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and etidronic acid (HEDP).Materials and Method: This in vitro, experimental study evaluated fifty-two single-rooted human teeth were standardized to 16 mm in length. Root canal instrumentation was performed by the ProTaper Gold system up to the F4 file. The apical end of the samples was sealed with wax to simulate a closed system. Teeth from group 1 (n=24) were irrigated with 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 17% EDTA, while teeth from group 2 (n=24) were irrigated with 3% NaOCl mixed 9% HEDP. Both groups were divided into two subgroups (n=12) depending on the activation system used: XP (group XP-EDTA and XP-HEDP) or PUI (group PUI-EDTA and PUI-HEDP). The specimens were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy at 3, 5 and 8mm from the apex. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Bonferroni tests considering p> 0.05 as significant.Results: PUI-EDTA was the most effective at removing the smear layer, with a statistically significant difference from XP-EDTA (p< 0.042) and group XP-HEDP (p< 0.003). There were no statistically significant differences among the other groups.Conclusion: Under the conditions of this ex vivo study, no activation system was able to completely remove the smear layer from the root canal walls. However, the combination of NaOCl with ultrasonically activated EDTA obtained better results than the other treatments.

Novel laser activated photoacoustic streaming for removing pulp remnants from round root canals after single file reciprocating instrumentation

Background: This study evaluated the efficacy of a new laser-assisted irrigation system, the shock wave enhanced emission photo-acoustic streaming (SWEEPS) technique in removing pulp tissue from single-rooted premolars. Methods: Freshly extracted mandibular premolars with round root canals (n = 40), scanned using cone beam computed tomography, were randomly divided into control and four experimental (according to the irrigation technique used) groups (n = 8/group). Groups 1, 2, and 3 were instrumented using Reciproc Blue (RB25/0.06) followed by final irrigation protocol (FIP), activated by SWEEPS, ultrasonically activated irrigation (UAI), and conventional irrigation (CI), respectively. In these groups, 7 mL 3% NaOCl in total was used during instrumentation; for FIP, 3% NaOCl (60 s), ethylenediaminotetraacetic acid (60 s), and 3% NaOCl (30 s). In group 4, SWEEPS activation of 3% NaOCl for 6 × 30 s alone was performed. The untreated control group specimens were processed for histological evaluation of remaining pulp tissue (RPT) in each canal third. The results were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test (α = 0.05). Results: Significant differences were observed between the control group and the experimental groups (p<0.05). In the middle third, the UIA and SWEEPS showed similar efficacy (p = 0.171), superior to CI and SWEEPS without instrumentation (p<0.05). In the apical third, SWEEPS was the most efficient (p = 0.002), and UIA and CI showed no difference (p = 0.643). Conclusion: SWEEPS was superior to UIA and CI in removing RPT in the apical region of round canals after single instrument root canal preparation; SWEEPS without instrumentation was inefficient in removing pulp tissue.

Influence of apical preparation size and final irrigation protocol on the debridement of oval root canals.

This study assessed the influence of apical preparation size and final irrigation protocol on the debridement of the apical third of oval root canals of mandibular molars. Seventy-seven distal roots were divided into 7 groups (n = 11): Control: without instrumentation or irrigation; Group 30CI: ProTaper Next (up to size 30; PTN) + conventional irrigation (CI); Group 30UAI: PTN + ultrasonically activated irrigation (UAI); Group 30XPF: PTN + XP-endo Finisher (XPF); Group 40CI: PTN + ProDesign Logic (up to size 40; PDL) + CI; Group 40UAI: PTN + PDL + UAI; and Group 40XPF: PTN + PDL + XPF. The total volume of irrigating solutions used per root canal in all the experimental groups was 33 mL of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 6 mL of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). After specimen processing and histological analysis under a digital microscope (100x), the percentages of untouched canal walls (UCW) and remaining debris (RD) were assessed using Image J software. A descriptive and exploratory analysis was conducted, indicating that the data failed to meet the assumptions of an analysis of variance. Therefore, generalized linear models were used to assess the effects of the different instrumentation and irrigation protocols, as well as the interaction among them, on the percentage of UCW and RD. No significant difference was found among the irrigation protocols regarding the percentage of UCW, irrespective of apical preparation size (p>0.05). However, UCW and RD were significantly lower in groups 40CI, 40UAI and 40XPF than in groups 30CI, 30UAI and 30XPF (p<0.05). The percentage of RD was significantly lower in the UAI and XPF groups than in the CI groups, irrespective of apical preparation size (p<0.05). The difference between preparation sizes 30 and 40, with respect to RD, was higher when CI was used (p<0.05). In conclusion, instrumentation up to apical preparation size 40 resulted in lower percentages of UCW and RD than up to apical preparation size 30. Use of UAI or XPF resulted in lower percentages of RD than CI.

Comparative Evaluation of the Penetration Depth into Dentinal Tubules of Three Endodontic Irrigants.

This study aimed to examine the penetration depth into dentinal tubules of some chelating agents. The 17% EDTA and two preparations containing surfactants (Smear Clear, Bioakt Endo) were tested. Surface tension and liquid viscosity were measured using a Dynamic Contact Angle Analyzer and a Haake rotational rheometer. To measure the penetration depth inside dentinal tubules, thirty maxillary central incisors were selected from a pool of extracted human permanent teeth and allocated to three experimental groups (10 samples each), as well as were mechanically shaped and cleansed with 5.25% NaOCl, followed by each of the chelators being labeled with 0.1 wt % Rhodamine B according to final irrigation protocol established. The samples were embedded in an epoxy resin, after which 200 μm thick transverse sections were obtained at 2, 5, and 8 mm from the apex with a saw microtome. The specimens were then observed using a confocal laser microscope (CLSM) and the penetration of the labeled solution was measured in every third of each sample. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis tests according to the distribution of data, evaluated with the Shapiro–Wilk normality test. Viscosity and surface tension tests have shown that BioAKT Endo has the lowest values compared to EDTA and Smear Clear. The medium penetration depth did not significantly differ among the three irrigants, while it increased considerably from the apical to the coronal level in all groups. Additionally, the maximum penetration depth increased significantly from the apical to coronal level, while among groups, BioAKT Endo showed the highest values at the apical and middle level compared to the other irrigants. No significant differences were observed among the three groups in medium and maximum penetration depths when the entire root was considered. New irrigants containing surfactants show reduced surface tension and, in one case (BioAKT Endo), viscosity. The lowering of the surface tension allows for better penetration of liquids into dentinal tubules than EDTA alone, thus improving the cleaning of the root canal system.