NaviTip FX Research Articles

An Ex-vivo Comparative Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Three Root Canal Irrigation Systems in Reduction of Enterococcus Faecalis.

The purpose of this ex-vivo study is to evaluate the efficacy of three irrigation techniques in the reduction of E. faecalis in root canal. Eighty healthy maxillary anteriors were employed in this investigation. The bacteria E. faecalis was left on teeth for 7 days while they were kept. Once teeth were contaminated, they were randomly divided into three groups of 20 for experimentation and a control group of 20 for comparison. NaviTip FX was used to irrigate Group I, the Max-I-probe was used to water Group II, and the Endovac system was used to water Group III. The number of colony forming units (CFUs) was determined by growing bacteria from root canal samples for 2 days in Brain heart infusion agar after chemo-mechanical operations. There was a substantial decrease in bacterial numbers across all experimental groups compared to group IV (control). Group III (Endovac) had the fewest bacterial colonies among the test groups. There were no discernible changes between Group I (the Navitip FX) and Group II (the Max I probe). Endovac was the most effective of the three irrigation methods for reducing CFUs. This study's findings lend credence to the idea that the apical negative pressure approach has more potential than the conventional irrigation delivery system for achieving an enhanced antibacterial impact.

Retrievability of Intracanal Medicament from Root Canals: An In-vitro CBCT Volumetric Analysis

Introduction: The complete removal of Calcium Hydroxide {Ca(OH)2 } using various techniques remains a challenge in root canal therapy. One of the most commonly used methods for removing calcium hydroxide is by using a Master Apical File (MAF) along with sodium hypochlorite and Ethylenediaminetetracetic Acid (EDTA). Various new modalities, like Canal Brush, NaviTip and file systems, have emerged to tackle the residual calcium hydroxide in the canal; but none of these methods have been able to completely remove it from the canal. Aim: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of H-files, NaviTip FX and Canal Brushes in removing calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament from root canals. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study was carried out in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics at KM Shah Dental College and Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, from December 2023 to March 2024. To standardise the length at 14 mm, 30 mandibular premolar teeth (n=30) with a single root were decoronated at the Cementoenamel Junction (CEJ). The working length was determined, followed by the cleaning and shaping of all specimens using ProTaper Rotary Files. Intracanal medicament (Metapex) was placed and the canals were sealed with Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC). The specimens were then placed at 37±1ºC and 100% relative humidity for 30 days. The medicament was subsequently removed by three different protocols: H-file, NaviTip FX and Canal Brush (n=10 each). The residual volumes in the mesial, distal and apical thirds were assessed, referring to the volume of medicament left in the canal, which was measured using Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). The recorded variables were analysed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) post-hoc tests (p<0.05). Results: The Canal Brush removed the maximum amount of Metapex in the apical third (0.108) of the roots of the premolars, followed by NaviTip FX and then H-file. In the middle third of the root, NaviTip FX removed more Metapex than the Canal Brush, followed by H-files. A comparison of retrieval between and within the groups it showed that none of the techniques were capable of removing all the Metapex from the specimens, with p>0.05. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that the Canal Brush showed superior results in retrieving Metapex from the apical third of the root and the distal side (middle third), whereas NaviTip FX removed more Metapex from the mesial side (middle third) of the root, but H-file exhibited the least efficacy in the retrieval of Metapex. Total removal of calcium hydroxide from the entire canal is not possible regardless of the technique used.

Effectiveness of Ultrasonic, F-File, and NaviTip FX Needle Agitation Techniques on Removal of Root Canal Debris and Smear Layer Using Two Different Irrigants: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study

Introduction: For successful endodontics, there should be proper cleaning and shaping of the canal before the obturation. Various agitation techniques help in the removal of the debris and smear layer. With the removal of this debris and smear layer, there will be a better opening of dentinal tubules and penetration of sealer in the tubule. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of removal of debris and smear layer from prepared root canals by comparing ultrasonic agitation, F-file agitation, and NaviTip FX needle agitation using Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and SmearClear as irrigants. Materials and Methods: The present in-vitro study included 60 bilaterally matched pairs of extracted human premolar teeth with single canal and mature apices, were collected. All teeth were decoronated at the cementoenamel junction. The teeth were grooved longitudinally on the buccal and lingual surfaces. Instrumentation was done using K3 rotary files up to #40 and irrigation was carried out using 2 mL syringes mounted with Max-i-probe needles. Agitation procedure (n=10 for each group) was done as follows. Group 1: Ultrasonic agitation of 2.5% NaOCl for 30 seconds. Group 2: F-file agitation of 2.5% NaOCl for 30 seconds Group 3: NaviTip FX agitation of 2.5% NaOCl for one minute continuously. Group 4: Ultrasonic agitation of SmearClear for 30 seconds. Group 5: F-file agitation of SmearClear for 30 seconds. Group 6: NaviTip FX agitation of SmearClear for one minute continuously. The roots were split into two halves using a chisel and mallet. The amount of debris and smear layer was assessed using SEM at 1000X magnification at each root canal’s coronal, middle, and apical areas. Statistical analysis was done using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Statistically significant difference was obtained in the reduction of debris and smear layer between 2.5% NaOCl and SmearClear. Ultrasonic agitation of SmearClear was better than F-file agitation and NaviTip FX. In both debris and smear layer removal (p-value <0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasonic agitation of SmearClear was better than F-file agitation and NaviTip FX agitation. SmearClear produced better removal of debris and smear layer than 2.5% NaOCl.

Comparative evaluation of debris and irrigation extruded apically using different design of needles and penetration depth - An In Vitro study.

: The aim of this study was to measure the amount of material extruded in the periapical area using three irrigation needles (Max-I-Probe, NaviTip Fx and IrriFlex flexible needle). : Mandibular premolars were selected for this study and glass vials were used to gather the extruded debris and they were preweighed. The samples were divided into two groups: Group A (1 mm penetration of needle from working length), which was subdivided into three subgroups: Subgroup A1: Irrigation was made by Max-I-Probe. Subgroup A2: Irrigation was made by NaviTip Fx. Subgroup A3: Irrigation was made by IrriFlex flexible needle. Group B (3 mm penetration of needle), which was subdivided into three subgroups: Subgroup B1: Irrigation was made by Max-I-Probe. Subgroup B2: Irrigation was made by NaviTip Fx. Subgroup B3: Irrigation was made by IrriFlex flexible needle. XP-endo Shaper was used for chemomechanical preparation. After removal from vials, the teeth were incubated and then removed from the incubator and weighed again three times. The average of the readings was taken. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and least significance difference tests were applied to analyse data. : All of the needles caused debris extrusion. There was a significant difference between groups (P ≤ 0.001) according to the depth of penetration. The lowest value for debris was observed in subgroup B3 while subgroup A2 had shown the highest mean. Results revealed that the design and depth of needles significantly affected the debris extrusion. Using more flexible needles and shorter penetration depth for irrigation so that we don't need to push the needles so far apically.

Effect of different irrigation activation methods on non-infected dentinal tubule penetration of medicaments: A CLSM study.

The whole root canal disinfection is crucial in terms of long-term endodontic success. In this context, applying medicaments following effective irrigation activation procedures becomes an important point. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of various irrigation activation techniques on non-infected dentinal tubule penetration of calcium hydroxide (CH), double (DAP), and triple (TAP) antibiotic pastes. A total of 180 extracted human permanent mandibular premolar single-rooted teeth were selected and randomly divided into a control group and four main groups according to the irrigation activation procedures (n = 36) as KTP laser irradiation, conventional needle, NaviTip FX, sonic (SI) and ultrasonic activation (UI) procedures. Each group was randomly subdivided into three subgroups according to the medicament type (n = 12); CH, DAP, and TAP. After the activation procedures, the root canals were filled with CH, TAP, and DAP mixed with 0.1% fluorescent rhodamine B isothiocyanate. Specimens were sectioned at 2, 5, and 8 mm from the apex, and all the sections were examined under a confocal laser scanning microscope to calculate the dentinal tubule penetration. Data were analyzed using a three-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc tests (P = 0.05). TAP provided a statistically significant greater penetration than the other groups (P < 0.05). UI provided a statistically significant higher dentinal tubules penetration area than other activation procedures (P < 0.05). Medicament penetration depends on the type of medicament, activation procedures, and root canal level. The TAP may be preferred following the ultrasonic activation in terms of long term root canal treatment success.

In Vitro Assessment of Intracanal Calcium Hydroxide Removal Using Various Irrigation Systems: An SEM Study

The aim of this research was to assess the effectiveness of three different irrigation systems in elimination of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2]from root canals. This in vitro research included ninety recently extracted mandibular premolar teeth with a solitary root. The sample teeth were subjected to disinfection employing sodium hypochlorite at 5.25%. The root canal preparation was performed followed by placement of premixed Ca(OH)2 within every canal. The sample teeth were then randomly allocated into one of the three experimental groups (each comprising 30 samples) as follows: Group 1, NaviTip FX irrigation system; group 2, Vibringe sonic irrigation system; and group 3, EndoVac apical negative pressure irrigation system. Following the preparation, each of the sample teeth was examined beneath a scanning electron microscope (SEM) at a magnification of 1000×. An intragroup comparative analysis revealed that the highest Ca(OH)2 elimination was seen at middle third (0.82 ± 0.09, 0.30 ± 0.11) in NaviTip FX irrigation system and Vibringe sonic irrigation system, respectively. Higher Ca(OH)2 was eliminated at the apical third (0.26 ± 0.02) by the EndoVac irrigation system. At coronal third, maximum Ca(OH)2 removal was seen in EndoVac irrigation system (0.49 ± 0.03). A statistically significant difference was noted amid Vibringe sonic irrigation and EndoVac irrigation systems. The intergroup evaluation of Ca(OH)2 elimination at coronal, middle, and apical third showed a statistically significant difference between NaviTip FX irrigation and Vibringe sonic irrigation as well as between NaviTip FX irrigation and EndoVac irrigation at a p value of 0.001. The difference between EndoVac irrigation and Vibringe sonic irrigation was not statistically significant. Amid the limitations of this research, this research concludes that none among the irrigation methods employed could totally eliminate the Ca(OH)2 off the root canals. Nevertheless, EndoVac apical negative pressure irrigation has slightly superior potential in eliminating Ca(OH)2 from the root canals in comparison with Vibringe sonic irrigation as well as the NaviTip FX irrigation system. Even though the Ca(OH)2 is largely suggested as medicament, its elimination at the point of canal obturation is likewise significant and complex as any remaining portion may avoid sealer diffusion inside the dentinal tubules, consequently substantially escalating the apical leakage of endodontically treated teeth.

Efficacy of different methods of calcium hydroxide removal on bond strength of calcium silicate-based sealer

AimTo evaluate the efficacy of different methods of calcium hydroxide removal [XP-endo finisher (XP-F) file, passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and NaviTip FX (NTFX) irrigating needle] on push-out bond strength of Endoseal MTA calcium silicate-based sealer.Materials and methodsForty extracted human premolars with nearly straight mature roots were used in this study. Teeth were decoronated to obtain a standardized root length of nearly 15 ± 1 mm. Root canals were prepared using ProTaper Universal rotary system up to F4 (40/0.06). Thirty samples were filled with calcium hydroxide paste then after 7 days, it was removed using different methods: G1: XP-F, G2: PUI, G3: NTFX. The remaining ten teeth with no prior medication were used as a control group (G4). All samples were obturated using gutta-percha/Endoseal MTA then transversally sectioned into coronal, middle, apical sections. The obtained sections were subjected to push-out bond strength test using a universal testing machine.ResultsThe highest mean push-out bond strength values were recorded for the control group followed by XP-F file and PUI while the lowest value for NTFX groups. The coronal section recorded the highest mean push-out bond strength value while the lowest value for the apical section with a significant difference in all groups.ConclusionPush-out bond strength values for XP-F and PUI groups were higher than NTFX group.

Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Novel Root Canal Irrigation Techniques on Reduction of Enterococcus faecalis Count: An In Vitro Study

To compare the effectiveness of three irrigation systems, namely, Endovac system, Max I probe, and Navitip FX, in reduction of Enterococcus faecalis population from the root canal using agar diffusion method. Sixty extracted intact human permanent maxillary anterior teeth were selected for this study. In group I, root canals were irrigated using brush covered 30-gauge NaviTipFX. Ultradent in group II root canals was irrigated using brush covered 30-gauge Max-I-Probe Dentsply. In group III, root canals were irrigated using Endoactivator, Dentsply. In group IV, root canal was irrigated by using the Endovac system Sybronendo. The steps followed in the study include preparation of specimen, contamination of the samples followed by conduction of testing procedures with implementation of appropriate irrigation protocols, and sampling procedures. Data were subjected to statistical analysis to interpret the significant differences among various irrigation systems. One-way analysis of variance, Post hoc Tukey tests were used for statistical analysis in the present study. Among the experimental groups, group IV showed statistically significant difference in reduction of E. faecalis. There were no statistical differences between them in reduction of E. faecalis in group I and group II compared and represented in Tables 1 and 2. All four irrigation delivery systems have been found to be effective in the reduction of E. faecalis. Endovac showed comparable efficacy in reduction of colony-forming units to that of other delivery systems used in the study. The result has to be validated with in vivo studies and clinical trials of larger sample size. Selection of appropriate irrigation system capable of disinfection of canal complexities in apical third with less adverse effects is essential for good clinical success of endodontic treatment.

Influence of Adjuncts to Irrigation in the Disinfection of Large Root Canals

IntroductionThe aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of disinfection methods and determine the most promising irrigation protocol for regenerative endodontics in teeth with large root canals. MethodsSterilized root samples with 0.8-mm wide apical foramen (n = 94) were prepared from human mandibular premolars. Ninety-two samples were infected with Enterococcus faecalis for 21 days and biofilm formation was verified using scanning electron microscopy (n = 2). The 90 infected samples were randomly assigned into 9 groups: no intervention (initial), 1.5% NaOCl irrigation (1.5 N), 2.5% NaOCl irrigation (2.5 N), 1.5 N + intermittent passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), 1.5 N + intermittent canal brushing with Navitip FX (NFX), 1.5 N + intermittent XP-endo Finisher (XPF), 1.5 N + circumferential filing (CF), 1.5 N + 1-min Self-adjusting File (SAF), and 1.5 N + mechanical instrumentation using #90‒110 files (MI). Subsequently, the root canal walls were shaved for microbial analysis. The mean colony-forming units (CFUs) were determined and analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance. ResultsThe mean CFU count was lowest in the MI group (63.5 CFU/mL), followed by the NFX, XPF, SAF, 2.5 N, CF, PUI, 1.5 N, and initial groups. The remaining bacteria in the 1.5 N group was 3.6-fold higher than that of the PUI group; 4- to 5-fold higher than that of the 2.5 N, CF, and SAF groups; and 22-fold and 36-fold higher than that of the XPF and NFX groups, respectively. The 2.5 N and 1.5 N groups with adjunctive treatments, excluding the PUI group, had significantly fewer remaining bacteria compared with the 1.5 N group (P < .05). ConclusionsPerforming various procedures supplemental to 1.5 N improved large root canal disinfection. Adjunctive NFX most effectively reduced the number of bacteria without dentin removal.

Depth and percentage of resin-based sealer penetration inside the dentinal tubules using EndoVac, EndoActivator, Navi tip FX irrigation system: A confocal laser scanning microscope study.

Aim:This in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the effect of EndoVac, EndoActivator, and Navy Tip FX irrigation system on lateral depth and percentage of sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules using confocal laser scanning microscope.Materials and Methods:Forty recently extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars were taken and root canal treatment was performed using three different irrigation system, that is, EndoVac, EndoActivator, and Navi tip FX. The samples were divided into 4 groups according to the irrigation system used: Control or conventional needle (Group I), Navi Tip FX (Group II), EndoActivator (Group III), and EndoVac (Group IV). All teeth were obturated using AH Plus sealer labeled with fluorescent rhodamine B dye. The teeth were sectioned at coronal (5 mm), middle (3 mm), and apical 3rd (1 mm) from the apex. Total percentage and maximum depth of sealer penetration were measured using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The data were evaluated statistically using Kruskal–Wallis test with a 95% confidence level (P = 0.01).Results:EndoVac resulted in more sealer penetration then EndoActivator and Navi Tip FX irrigation system. Endoactivator resulted in more sealer penetration in comparison to Navi Tip FX.Conclusion:Percentage and depth of sealer penetration were more at apical and middle 3rd with Endovac system followed by Endoactivator and Navi tip FX system.

Efficacy of different irrigant protocols and application systems on sealer penetration using a stepwise CLSM analysis.

This study compared several irrigation protocols and application systems for sealer penetration into dentinal tubules. Single-rooted-human teeth were divided into 5 experimental groups (n = 15) and a control group (n = 5), according to final irrigation protocols: standard needle irrigation (SNI); Vibringe; Vibringe + NaviTip FX (Vibringe NFX); Endo Spray (ES); and passive-ultrasonic-irrigation (PUI). Following obturation of the root canals, the percentage of the sealer penetration was measured at different depths using stepwise CLSM analysis. The sealer penetration in the experimental groups was significantly higher than the control group at all levels (p < .05). No significant differences were observed between Vibringe and SNI or Vibringe NFX, ES, and PUI at all depths (p > .05). The Vibringe NFX, ES, and PUI groups allowed deeper sealer penetration than SNI at 100, 250, and 500 μm levels (p < .05). The irrigant activation, the needle design, and the application form (syringe or spray) may impact the quality of the seal that is achieved with root canal filling.

A novel model for testing the efficiency of removal of calcium hydroxide from complex root canal anatomies.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of several irrigation protocols in the removal of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2 ] from simulated internal root resorption cavities in a complex root canal anatomy model. The 20° to 35° curved mesiobuccal roots of 94 maxillary molars were sectioned longitudinally; internal resorption cavities were prepared in the apical third of the canal walls. Calcium hydroxide was placed into the cavities and the root halves reassembled. Four teeth were used as controls, and 90 teeth were randomly divided into six experimental groups (n = 15), according to the irrigation protocols used: syringe irrigation; H2 O2 (HP); Navitip FX; Vibringe-syringe; Vibringe-NaviTip FX; ultrasonically activated irrigation (UAI) using an ultrasonic K-file. In the HP group, 2.5% NaOCl and 3% H2 O2 were used, while 2.5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA were used in the remaining groups. Stereomicroscope images and radiographs were used to measure the remaining Ca(OH)2 . The model proved to be suitable for simulating complex anatomy. Positive correlation was found between stereomicroscope and radiographic analyses (P < 0.05). UAI removed significantly more Ca(OH)2 than the other experimental groups (P < 0.05). The HP group was the least efficient protocol (P < 0.05). It would appear that a reliable model has been developed that simulates complex root canal anatomy. Irrigant activation protocols enhanced Ca(OH)2 removal.

Comparison of triple antibiotic paste removal by different irrigation techniques.

This study compared different irrigation techniques in triple antibiotic paste (TAP) removal from root canals. Fifty-six maxillaryanterior-teeth were filled with TAP for 28 days, and assigned into 5 experimental groups (n=10): Syringe irrigation (SI), NaviTip FX (NFX), Vibringe-Syringe irrigation (V-SI), NaviTip FX-Vibringe (V-NFX), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and positive and negative control groups (n=3 for each). Following the removal of the medicament, the remaining medicament was evaluated using 4-grade scoring-system. V-NFX and NFX showed similar performances (p>0.05) while V-NFX was significantly more efficient than SI and PUI (p<0.05) at all parts of root canals. VSI was less efficient at apical part when compared to NFX and V-NFX (p<0.05) while not significantly different from PUI and SI at all parts of the root canals (p>0.05). Regarding different parts of the root canals, V-SI and PUI were significantly less efficient at the apical part (p<0.05). In conclusion, the brush form of irrigation delivery with and without sonic activation improved the removal of TAP from the root canals when compared to ultrasonic activation, syringe irrigation or sonic activation alone.

Effects of seven different irrigation techniques on debris and the smear layer: a scanning electron microscopy study.

Conventional manual irrigation with a syringe and needle remains widely accepted technique in the irrigation procedures. However, its flushing action has some limitations. Currently, several techniques and systems are available and reported to improve the insufficiency of syringe irrigation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 7 different irrigation techniques compared to standard irrigation. Straight roots from 80 extracted human maxillary central incisors were collected, and root canals were instrumented with K-files up to apical size 50. The teeth were randomly divided into 8 groups (n = 10), and final irrigation procedures were performed with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and 5.25% NaOCl solutions using following irrigation agitation techniques: RinsEndo, EndoVac, Canal CleanMax, sonic, Canal Brush, NaviTip FX, manual dynamic irrigation, and conventional irrigation. The presence of debris and smear layer (SL) at coronal, middle, and apical thirds was evaluated by using a 5-grade scoring system with ×200 and ×1000 magnification, respectively. Concerning debris removal, the MM 1500 sonic group reduced apical debris significantly better than the other groups tested (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference among the tested groups (P > 0.05) related SL removal in all levels. MM 1500 scored best with debris removal; however, there was no significant reduction in the SL in apical third with any of the methods tested.

Effectiveness of NaviTip FX on Intracanal Calcium Hydroxide Removal

La presencia de hidroxido de calcio post-irrigacion compromete la limpieza y la permeabilidad de la pared de la dentina durante el tratamiento endodontico. El objetivo deste estudio fue evaluar la eficacia de la canula de irrigacion Navitip Fx en la eliminacion de hidroxido de calcio intracanalicular. Veintidos dientes unirradiculares humanos fueron divididos aleatoriamente de acuerdo con la canula de irrigacion, despues de la eliminacion del hidroxido de calcio, en grupos: G1- Navitip; G2- Navitip FX, ambos con n= 9; asi como los grupos de control positivos y negativos, con n= 2. Las muestras fueron analizadas bajo microscopia electronica de barrido, con magnificacion de 500x. La diferencia entre los grupos fue analizada con la prueba t de Student (p 0,01). En el tercio apical, el grupo G2 presento mejor limpieza en comparacion con el grupo G1 (p= 0,0007). En el tercio medio, no se observaron diferencias entre los grupos. La canula de irrigacion Navitip FX muestra una mayor eficiencia en la eliminacion de la medicacion hidroxido de calcio en comparacion con Navitip canula en el tercio apical del canal.

Surface change of root canal dentin after the use of irrigation activation protocols: Electron microscopy and an energy‐dispersive X‐ray microanalysis

This study evaluated the mineral contents of root-canal dentin after treatment with different irrigation activation protocols. One hundred and eight maxillary lateral incisor teeth were randomly divided into eight experimental groups and one control group. Root canals were prepared using ProTaper rotary files, with the exception of the Self-Adjusting File (SAF) group. Canals were irrigated with 2 mL of 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) at each instrument change, and received a final flush with 10 mL of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 10 mL of 5% NaOCl for 1 min. The control group was irrigated with distilled water. Group I (GI): Needle syringe irrigation; Group II (GII): NaviTip FX; Group III (GIII): CanalBrush; Group IV (GIV): Manual dynamic activation with gutta-percha; Group V (GV): Passive ultrasonic irrigation; Group VI (GVI): EndoActivator; Group VII (GVII): EndoVac; Group VIII (GVIII): SAF. The level of elemental composition was analyzed by a scanning electron microscopy and an energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) system. The results were then statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests. Ca/P ratio was changed after treatment with SAF and EndoActivator. The Ca, P, Mg, and S level changes were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Final irrigation activation protocols did not alter the mineral level of root dentin surface.

A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study to evaluate the Efficacy of NaviTip FX in removing the Canal Debris during Root Canal Preparation: An in vitro Study

To evaluate the efficacy of NaviTip FX in removing the canal debris during root canal preparation using scanning electron microscopic study. Thirty single rooted teeth with completely formed apices were used in this study. Standard endodontic access cavity preparations were performed. Then the teeth were randomly divided into two groups: groups 1 and 2 of 15 teeth each group. For group 1, NaviTip FX (brush covered needle) was used to irrigate the canal with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite after each instrument use. For group 2, NaviTip (brushless needle) was used for irrigation following each instrument use. ProTaper rotary files were used for the canal preparation. The teeth were then cleaned and dried before splitting them into two halves. The half with most visible part of the apex was used for scanning electron microscopic evaluation. The results were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test at significance level p < 0.005. The mean values for coronal and middle third of group 1 showed lower debris scores than group 2 and this difference was statistically significant at a p-value 0.01 and 0.05 respectively, but no significance difference between them at the apical third at a p-value of < 0.05. The NaviTip FX (brush covered needle) showed effectively better canal wall debris removal than the NaviTip (brushless needle).

Efficacy of the NaviTip FX irrigation needle in removing calcium hydroxide from root canal.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the NaviTip FX, brush-covered irrigation needle, in removing calcium hydroxide from the root canal. Study Design: Thirty single-rooted teeth were randomly divided into three groups: A - irrigation with a hypodermic needle inserted as far as possible without binding and activation with #30 K-type file; B - Irrigation with a hypodermic needle without activation; C - irrigation with NaviTip FX needle. Sodium hypoclorite 1% was used in irrigation. The root canals were examined trough scanning electron microscopy. Calcium hydroxide removal was recorded at 1, 5, and 10mm from the working length (WL) and the data were analysed using one-way ANOVA test (p<0.05). Results: NaviTip FX and hypodermic needle activated with #30K-type file showed lower score at 10 and 5mm with no significant difference between them. Comparison within groups did not show significant differences. All groups showed significantly better smear layer removal at 5 and 10 mm from the WL. Conclusion: The apical third (1mm) of the root canal was found to be the most critical site for Ca(OH)2 removal. Key words:Calcium hydroxide, irrigation, scanning electron microscope, NaviTip FX.

Relationship between sealing ability of Activ GP and Gutta Flow and methods of calcium hydroxide removal

Aim:To evaluate the effect of method of calcium hydroxide intracanal dressing removal, on sealing ability of Gutta Flow and Activ GP.Materials and Methods:Seventy extracted mandibular premolars were sectioned at CEJ and canals were prepared with profile 4% rotary file till #40. Canals were filled with calcium hydroxide, coronally sealed with Cavit G and stored at 37°C. After 7 days, samples were divided on the basis of calcium hydroxide removal method (Master apical file, Navi Tip FX, and F File) and obturating material (Activ GP and Gutta Flow). Three coats of nail polish were applied except 2 mm around apical foramen and samples were immersed in India ink dye, sectioned, and observed under stereomicroscope for microleakage.Results:The results were statistically analyzed with one way ANOVA-F with Tukey HSD test with the null hypothesis set as 5%.Conclusions:The seal of the canal system was adversely impacted by residual calcium hydroxide when Activ GP and Gutta Flow were used as obturating material and the sealing ability of Activ GP and Gutta Flow was better when MAF was used for removal of calcium hydroxide than F file or Navi tip FX.

Debris and smear removal in flattened root canals after use of different irrigant agitation protocols

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) can be used to analyze the presence of debris and smear layer on the internal walls of root canal. This study evaluated the debris and smear removal in flattened root canals using SEM after use of different irrigant agitation protocols. Fifty mandibular incisors were distributed into five groups (n = 10) according to the irrigant agitation protocol used during chemomechanical preparation: conventional syringe irrigation with NaviTip needle (no activation), active scrubbing of irrigant with brush-covered NaviTip FX needle, manual dynamic irrigation, continuous passive ultrasonic irrigation, and apical negative pressure irrigation (EndoVac system). Canals were irrigated with 5 mL of 2.5% NaOCl at each change of instrument and received a final flush with 17% EDTA for 1 min. After instrumentation, the roots were split longitudinally and SEM micrographs at ×100 and ×1,000 were taken to evaluate the amount of debris and smear layer, respectively, in each third. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's post-hoc tests (α = 5%). Manual dynamic activation left significantly (p < 0.05) more debris inside the canals than the other protocols, while ultrasonic irrigation and EndoVac were the most effective (p < 0.05) for debris removal. Regarding the removal of smear layer, there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) either among the irrigant agitation protocols or between the protocol-canal third interactions. Although none of the irrigant agitation protocols completely removed debris and smear layer from flattened root canals, the machine-assisted agitation systems (ultrasound and EndoVac) removed more debris than the manual techniques.