Smear Layer Removal Research Articles

Glycolic acid and ultrasonic activation: Effects on smear layer removal, dentin penetration, dentin structure and bond strength of the root dentin filling material.

Glycolic acid (GA) has been tested as enamel and dentin etchant, and final irrigant for smear layer removal. This study evaluated the effects of GA and ultrasonic activation (US) on smear layer removal, dentin penetration, dentin structure and bond strength of the root dentin filling material. The root canals of 210 teeth were distributed into four test groups: smear layer removal (N=50), dentin penetration (N=50), dentin structure (N=10) and bond strength (N=100). In all tests, specimens were subdivided into five groups, according to the final irrigation protocols: G1:distilled water(DW)+US; G2:17% EDTA; G3:17% GA; G4:17% EDTA+US; G5:17% GA+US. Scanning electronic microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy and the push-out test were performed to evaluate smear layer removal, dentin penetration, dentin structure and bond strength, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed for each evaluation (α=5%). Groups 4 (EDTA+US) and 5 (GA+US) were the most effective on smear layer removal, with no statistical differences from each other (p>0.05). The maximum penetration depth into dentinal tubules was observed for group 5(GA+US), being statistically different from all other groups (pp<0.05). Group 5(GA+US) showed the largest collagen dispersion area, being statistically different from groups 1(DW+US), 2(EDTA) and 3(GA) (pp<0.05), and similar to group 4(EDTA+US) (p>0.05). The highest BS values for filling and restorative material were observed for all experimental groups, being statistically different from control group (pp<0.05), with higher predominance of cohesive failure. The association of GA and US promotes better smear layer removal, dentin penetration and collagen dispersion, with no influence on bond strength of the root dentin filling/restorative material. Key words:EDTA, final irrigation, glycolic acid, ultrasonic activation.

Effectiveness of Triton Irrigation Solution in Smear Layer Removal: An in-vitro Study.

This in vitro study aimed to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of different irrigation solutions, including Triton, 0.5% Chitosan nanoparticles (CNP), and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), on the smear layer removal of the root canal walls. Forty extracted sound mandibular premolars were examined; the samples were decoronated to obtain a root length of 14 mm. Each sample was instrumented using ProTaper Next rotary file X4 (40/0.06). The samples were longitudinally sectioned and examined under a scanning electron microscope at 3000x magnification in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds using a four-level scoring system. Triton demonstrated the lowest mean smear layer removal (p>0.05) compared to the other irrigation solutions at all the levels of the root canal. No significant differences were observed (p>0.05) at the coronal and middle levels of the root canal between the CNP and EDTA groups. CNP demonstrated significantly more smear layer removal at the apical level compared to EDTA. Smear layer removal was least effective with Triton at all the levels of the root canal compared to the other irrigation solutions tested in this study. CNP demonstrated superior smear layer removal at the apical level compared to the other irrigation solutions.

Dual- or single rinse? The tubular sealer penetration of endodontic chelating agents.

In this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of various chelating agents, ethilenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid (CA), and etidronic acid (HEDP) mixed in two different forms, in removing the smear layer and promoting the penetration of an endodontic sealer into the dentinal tubules of extracted single-rooted teeth. The study used 75 teeth divided into five groups: 17% EDTA, 10% CA, 9% HEDP + NaOCl, 9% HEDP + distilled water (DW), and a control (DW) group. Scanning electron microscopy was used to assess smear layer removal and confocal laser microscopy was used to evaluate tubular sealer penetration at different depths from the apical tip. Sealer penetration was highest with 17% EDTA and 10% CA as compared with the other agents (p<0.001). At the cervical third, the sealer penetration for EDTA, HEDP + NaOCl, and HEDP + DW groups were significantly different than those in DW (p = 0.020). For the middle third, EDTA, CA, and HEDP + NaOCl groups were significantly higher than those of the DW group (p<0.001). Cervical-level values were significantly higher than apical-level values for HEDP + NaOCl, HEDP + DW, and DW (p<0.001). Smear layer removal was lower with 9% HEDP + DW than with 17% EDTA and 10% CA at all depths (p<0.001). A significancy in smear layer removal was observed between 10% CA and control (p = 0.015) in middle depth. Within the limitations of this study, highest values were seen in EDTA and CA in terms of sealer penetration and smear layer removal. In the light of these findings, the use of strong chelating agents highlights better clinical efficiency than dual-rinse or single HEDP irrigation.

The effect of final irrigation with different solutions on smear layer removal and dentin erosion: A scanning electron microscope study.

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of initial irrigation with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and final irrigation with QMix, 40% citric acid, and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on smear layer removal and dentin erosion. Forty extracted human mandibular premolar teeth were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10) according to the type of final irrigants used: 17% EDTA, QMix, citric acid, and control (normal saline). Canals were mechanically prepared using ProTaper Next instruments to an apical size of X3. Subsequently, the roots were sectioned in a buccolingual direction. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess the presence of the smear layer and the amount of dentin erosion in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds of the root canals. In regards to smear layer removal, there was a significant difference between the control group and the other tested groups. Moreover, it was significantly higher in the coronal and middle thirds than in the apical third. However, there were no significant differences between the groups of EDTA, QMix, and citric acid. Concerning dentin erosion, citric acid produced significantly more dentin erosion than the other tested groups. Final irrigation with solutions had a higher ability to remove the smear layer in the coronal and middle thirds compared to the apical third. Of all the solutions tested, 40% citric acid had the most pronounced impact on dentin erosion, followed by 17% EDTA and QMix.

Effect of different irrigation activation systems using continuous chelating irrigation protocol on the removal of smear layer in the apical third of root canals: An in vitro scanning electron microscope study

Aim: Continuous chelation is a novel irrigation regimen popular as a single solution for irrigation of the root canal system during root canal therapy, especially for the removal of the smear layer. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of three different irrigation activation systems in removing the smear layer from the apical third in single-rooted mandibular premolars using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Methods: Fifty-six extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars were decoronated, and canals prepared till #30/0.09, with Chloroquick (3% NaOCl + 9% HEBP) as the working solution. Teeth were randomly divided into four groups based on the final irrigant activation protocol; Group A - (control group) conventional syringe irrigation with a 30-gauge single-side vented needle. Group B - (passive ultrasonic irrigation method) passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) with #20-Irrisafe ultrasonic files activated for 1 min. Group C - (sonic activation) EndoActivator system using the yellow tip (#20/0.04) activated for 1 min. Group D - Tornado Disinfection Kit using GF-brush for 20–30 s as per manufacturer’s instructions. The canals were dried, samples were hemi-sectioned, and the amount of remaining smear layer was scored according to the Tabrizizadeh criteria (2015) with SEM images at ×2500 by two blinded operators. The collected data were analyzed statistically using the Chi-square test (P &lt; 0.05). Results: The results showed statistically significant differences in terms of smear removal among the groups (P &lt; 0.05) with the Gentlefile group performing better, followed by PUI, EndoActivator, and the conventional group. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, continuous chelation with Gentlefile activation could be a viable and efficient protocol for the removal of the smear layer from the apical third of root canals.

Scanning electron microscopic analysis of 5% glycolic acid as a novel alternative to 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in root biomodification: An in vitro study.

Nonsurgical periodontal therapy results in the formation of a smear layer which inhibits tissue regeneration. Root biomodification (RB) using various agents has been tried for the enhancement of new attachment formation. However, no substantial therapeutic advantages of currently available root conditioning agents have been reported emphasizing the need for additional biologically acceptable agents. Glycolic acid (GA) due to its antimicrobial nature and ability of initiation and proliferation of fibroblasts may potentially modify root surface enabling regeneration. Eighty specimens from 40 single-rooted teeth were treated with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 5% GA and scanning electron microscopy analysis was done. The micrographs were examined for the evaluation of smear layer removal, total number of dentinal tubules, total number of patent dentinal tubules, mean diameter and surface area of dentinal tubules, and dentin erosion. Statistical analysis was done using unpaired t-test for intergroup comparison. The efficacy of smear layer removal (P = 0.01) and dentin erosion (P = 0.042) was significantly better in the GA group. Both the groups showed no difference in dentinal tubule-related parameters. GA showed improved RB with greater smear layer removal and lesser dentin erosion, indicating its use as a potent alternative to the conventional EDTA root conditioning.

The Impact of Various Sodium Hypochlorite Formulations on Smear Layer Removal

The Impact of Various Sodium Hypochlorite Formulations on Smear Layer Removal

Impact of different agitation methods on smear layer cleaning of mesial canals with accentuated curvature.

This study evaluated the impact of different methods of irrigant agitation on smear layer removal in the apical third of curved mesial canals of 3 dimensionally (D) printed mandibular molars. Sixty 3D-printed mandibular second molars were used, presenting a 70° curvature and a Vertucci type II configuration in the mesial root. A round cavity was cut 2 mm from the apex using a trephine of 2 mm in diameter, 60 bovine dentin disks were made, and a smear layer was formed. The dentin disks had the adaptation checked in the apical third of the teeth with wax. The dentin disks were evaluated in environmental scanning electron microscope before and after the following irrigant agitation methods: G1(PIK Ultrasonic Tip), G2 (Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation with Irrisonic- PUI), G3 (Easy Clean), G4 (HBW Ultrasonic Tip), G5 (Ultramint X Ultrasonic tip), and G6 (conventional irrigation-CI) (n = 10). All groups were irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. All dentin disks were 100% covered by the smear layer before treatment, and all groups significantly reduced the percentage of the smear layer after treatment. After the irrigation protocols, the Ultra-X group showed the lowest coverage percentage, statistically differing from the conventional, PIK, and HBW groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference among Ultramint X, PUI-Irrisonic, and Easy Clean (p > 0.05). None of the agitation methods could remove the smear layer altogether. Ultramint X resulted in the most significant number of completely clean specimens.

Unveiling SmearOFF Efficacy in Smear Layer Removal through Ultrasonic Activation Examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy.

A layer of smear that coats the walls of root canals is produced by root canal instrumentation, which could be unfavorable to endodontic therapy. The endodontic irrigant SmearOFF is designed to effectively remove both the smear layer and bacteria concurrently. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of SmearOFF and 17% EDTA in removing the smear layer across the coronal, middle, and apical thirds of root canals. Sixty-four single-canal mandibular premolar roots were chosen. Two irrigant protocols were separated into two sets of thirty-two teeth, respectively, Group 1 (6% NaOCL/SmearOFF) and Group 2 (6% NaOCl/17% EDTA.) Until X2, the ProtaperNext rotary system (Dentsply, Maillefer, Switzerland), with a COXO C-SMART Endomotor (Foshan COXO Medical instrument Co., Ltd., China) was utilized for the shaping of all teeth, the equipment settings were tuned to 300 revolutions per minute (rpm) and a torque of 3 Newton-centimeters (Ncm). Before applying the final irrigants, an initial irrigation with 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) was performed using a 27-G side-vented needle. An ultrasonic gadget, EndoUltra, was utilized to activate the irrigation. After that, the determination of how well the proposed solutions worked on the prepared teeth was conducted by scanning electron microscopy. The mean smear layer scores were lower in all three regions (coronal, middle, and apical) using 17% EDTA in comparison with the samples treated with SmearOFF. Despite that, there were no significant differences between G1, 6% NaOCL/SmearOFF and G2, 6% NaOCL/17% EDTA in smear layer removal according to Kruskal-Wallis tests and Mann-Whitney U-tests (p < 0.05). Considering the findings of this investigation, both 17% EDTA and SmearOFF serve as chelating agents, demonstrating the capability to effectively remove the smear layer. This process is facilitated with the assistance of passive ultrasonic irrigation at intervals of every third of the root canal.

Update on chelating agents in endodontic treatment: A systematic review.

The aim of this review was to assess the evidence regarding the most commonly used chelating agents in terms of efficacy, erosive potential, cytotoxicity, interaction, antimicrobial effect, impact on sealers adhesion, and release of growth factors. MEDLINE (PubMed) database, Cochrane Library and Scopus were searched up to January 14, 2023, including studies with one or more of the following chelating agents: 17% EDTA, 9% and 18% HEDP, 10% and 20% citric acid, 2%-2.25% peracetic acid and 7% maleic acid. In addition, the reference lists of all selected articles were also checked to identify additional relevant studies. Articles published in English and available in full-text were selected. The quality of studies was assessed using the modified CONSORT checklist guide and the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The electronic search yielded 538 citations, 56 of which were included. The articles included had moderate and low evidence values. Among 56 articles included, 55 were in vitro studies and one was a randomized clinical trial. Among the in vitro studies, 15 evaluated efficacy and dentin erosion, 12 evaluated interaction with other endodontic irrigants, 9 tested antimicrobial effect, 4 evaluated cytotoxicity in hamster and rat lung cells, 9 evaluated intervention in adhesion of filling materials and 8 focused on release of growth factors and on behavior of stem cells in regenerative endodontic. The RCT tested antimicrobial effect. 17% EDTA is the most effective in smear layer removal and in releasing growth factors on regenerative endodontics. However, the current incorporation of 9% and 18% etidronic acid has shown optimal results due to its compatibility with sodium hypochlorite and its capability on avoiding smear layer formation through a continuous chelation action. Despite these preliminary findings, methodological standardization between studies is required and in vivo studies are necessary to confirm in vitro studies. Key words:Chelating Agents, Smear Layer, Systematic Review, Endodontics, Root Canal Irrigants.

In Vitro Evaluation of Smear Layer and Debris Removal and Antimicrobial Activity of Different Irrigating Solutions.

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the smear layer and debris removal and antimicrobial activity of two dual-action irrigating solutions for continuous chelation (Triton; Brasseler, Savannah, USA and Dual Rinse HEDP; Medcem GmbH, Weinfelden, Switzerland) with a dual step irrigation protocol with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) followed by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Thirty single-rooted single-canal teeth were divided into three groups (n=10) and irrigated with Triton, Dual Rinse HEDP mixed with 6% NaOCl and 6% NaOCl/17% EDTA. The teeth were observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to assess the canal wall cleanliness. In addition, 80 dentine discs were contaminated with Candida albicans and 80 discs with Enterococcus faecalis and irrigated with Triton, Dual Rinse HEDP mixed with 6% NaOCl and 6% NaOCl/17% EDTA or not treated (n=20). Fifteen discs were used to evaluate colony-forming units, while 5 discs were analysed by SEM. Data were analysed using the Shapiro- Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis and One-Way ANOVA tests. Triton was statistically more effective than Dual Rinse HEDP and NaOCl/EDTA in removing debris (p<0.05), except with NaOCl/EDTA in the coronal third. Triton was more effective than Dual Rinse HEDP in removing the smear layer from the apical and middle thirds (p<0.05). All the irrigation protocols significantly re- duced the number of E. faecalis. The Triton group showed the lowest number of remaining C. albicans (p<0.05). Triton was the most effective irrigation solution in removing debris and as effective as NaOCl/ EDTA in removing the smear layer. Triton showed the highest efficacy against C. albicans. New irrigating solutions that provide continuous chelation may provide an alternative to current irrigation protocols.

Comparison of smear layer removal with the use of chitosan oligosaccharide, citric acid, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in root canals of human lower pre-molars: Scanning electron microscope study

Comparison of smear layer removal with the use of chitosan oligosaccharide, citric acid, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in root canals of human lower pre-molars: Scanning electron microscope study

Push-Out Bond Strength of Fiber-Reinforced Post Using Various Post Space Irrigation Treatments.

Objective: This study aims to provide the impact of different endodontic irrigation treatments after post space preparation on the push-out bond strength of fiber posts to dentin using self-adhesive cements. Methods and Materials: A total of 180 extracted premolar teeth were selected. The canals were instrumented by and then were filled. After preparing the post space, teeth were divided into 12 groups according to irrigants (normal saline solution; 17% EDTA [ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid] + 5.25% NaOCl [sodium hypochlorite]; 17% EDTA; 5.25% NaOCl; and 1.2% chlorhexidine [CHX]) and irrigation technique (conventional syringe irrigation [CSI] and passive ultrasonic irrigation [PUI]). After cementation, the samples were sectioned to obtain 1-mm disks from coronal and apical parts, a push-out test was performed using a universal testing machine (Z050, Zwick/Roell, Ulm, Germany) at a speed of 1 mm/min. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: The push-out bond strength was higher in coronal segment in comparison to apical segment. The highest push-out bond strength value was related to NaOCl + EDTA using PUI (12.39 ± 1.08). There are significant differences when comparing NaOCl + EDTA group with EDTA group using CSI or PUI technique (p < 0.05) except in coronal region with CSI technique. In both apical and coronal regions, phosphoric acid irrigation was found to be similar to normal saline solution and CHX groups regardless of activation technique. Conclusion: The push-out bond strength values were significantly affected by the irrigation protocol. Using PUI and 17% EDTA + 5.25% NaOCl in apical region could be an effective irrigant for smear layer removal after post space preparation.

Novel Root Conditioner Apple Cider Vinegar versus Citric Acid on Teeth with Periodontal Disease: A Pilot In-vitro SEM Analysis

Introduction: Root biomodification in periodontal therapy aims at removing the smear layer and enhances the clot stability necessary for periodontal regeneration. Citric Acid (CA), EDTA, fibronectin has been used routinely. But if used injudiciously acidic erosion of the periodontal tissues might occur. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) an organic acetic has been reported to possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Aim: To assess the effect of smear layer removal and fibrin clot adhesion of ACV in comparison to CA on periodontally affected teeth. Materials and Methods: This pilot study was conducted at Sri Venkateswara Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India, for three months, starting in January 2024 and ending in March 2024. 8 Teeth extracted due to periodontal reasons were cleaned, scaled and root planed. From the extracted teeth 16 dentin block samples were obtained, of which eight underwent CA testing (Control group) and eight underwent ACV testing (test group). The SEM analysis was done to assess the efficiency of smear layer removal and fibrin clot adhesion. Results: Under qualitative Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis, though ACV (50%) and CA (50%) group exhibited significant level of smear layer removal, complete dentinal tubule opening (RMSI score 2) was observed only in ACV category. In regard to Blood Element Adhesion Index (BEAI) both the groups demonstrated moderate fibrin clot adhesion (BEA score 2) in 50% of their samples. Considering both the parameters, root conditioning effects of ACV was better than CA. Conclusion: Teeth treated with ACV had a comparable effect as the CA in terms of root biomodification. This novel agent with several medicinal effects can be considered for future studies to determine its regenerative effectiveness.

Efficacy of smear layer removal at apical third of root canal by different irrigation regimens using XP-endo Shaper: an in vitroSEM study

Efficacy of smear layer removal at apical third of root canal by different irrigation regimens using XP-endo Shaper: an in vitroSEM study

Potensi Chitosan Sebagai Bahan Irigasi Dalam Pembersihan Smear Layer Saluran Akar

Background: Smear layer is formed after root canal preparation. Removing the smear layer is an important aspect because it can affect the adaptation of sealer so it can increase the leakage of the root canal filling. Chitosan is a natural biopolymer produced by the deacetylation of chitin which has a chelation effect. Purpose: To explain the potential of chitosan as an irrigant on smear layer removal in root canal. Method: Based on sources obtained from journals, textbooks, and websites accessed through the Google Scholar database. The types of references taken are in the form of research reports, literature studies, published from 2014–2021. Conclusion: Chitosan has the potential as root canal irrigant for smear layer removal even in low concentrations with minimal side effects. However, there are differences of opinion regarding the region of smear layer removal.

Effectiveness of a new endodontic irrigation system for removing smear layer and dissolving simulated organic matter.

The study aimed to evaluate the potential for the dissolution of organic tissue in areas of simulated complexity and cleaning of root canal walls of the new iVac® endodontic irrigation system. Thirty mandibular premolars were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy before and after biomechanical preparation. Then, they were distributed according to the final irrigation protocol into groups with conventional irrigation, ultrasonic agitation with metallic insert (UA), and iVac® system, and new photomicrographs were obtained. For tissue dissolution analysis, glass capillaries filled with catgut were attached to the cervical and apical thirds of twenty-one prototyped upper incisors. They were weighed before and after the previously mentioned irrigation protocols. The data were statistically compared with a significance level of 5%. The final irrigation provided greater cleaning of the root canal walls in the cervical, middle, and apical thirds of the root canals (P < 0.05), with no statistically significant difference between UA and iVac®, regardless of the analyzed thirds. Both ultrasonic irrigation protocols dissolved a significantly greater volume than the conventional irrigation protocol (P < 0.05), with no difference between the two protocols (P < 0.05). The iVac® system showed root canal wall cleaning and tissue dissolution similar to UA with a metallic insert, and both were superior to conventional irrigation. The new irrigation system iVac is more effective than conventional irrigation and has similar root canal wall cleaning and tissue dissolution to UA.

Effect of XP-Endo Finisher Rotary File on Removal of Smear Layer on the Root Canal Wall Using Different Rotary Files and Different Irrigants (An Ex- vivo Study)

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of XP- endo finisher (XPF) in removing the residual smear layer as a final step following the useof the One Curve and 2Shape files. Methods: Sixty extracted maxillary first molar teeth with (MB) root curvature within (10-25°) were selected, and only (MB) rootswere used in this study. After that, the teeth were divided randomly according to the type of file used for canal preparation into twomain groups (1 and 2). Then the main groups were divided into three subgroups (A, B, and C). In subgroups A1, B1, and C1, the2Shape file was used for canal preparation; in subgroups A2, B2, and C2, the One Curve file was used. In subgroups A1 and A2,NaOCl was used during instrumentation and XPF to improve the residual smear layer removal with EDTA. In subgroups B1 and B2,NaOCl was used during instrumentation, and EDTA was used for 1 min to remove the residual smear layer. In subgroups C1 and C2,normal saline was used during instrumentation and with XPF. Then the roots were linearly sectioned into two parts. The coronal,middle, and apical thirds were quantified for the remaining smear layer under the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The Kruskal– Wallis- test and Mann- Whitney U test were used to measure the subgroups' differences. All tests were performed at the significant (p &lt; 0.05) level. Results: The subgroup C1 had the highest mean score and lowest efficiency in removing the residual smear layer. The result showed that the subgroup A2 exhibited the best residual smear layer removal effectiveness. Significant differences were observed between subgroups A1 and A2 (p &lt; 0.05). At the same time, there were significant differences between subgroups B1 and B2 (p &lt; 0.05), and subgroups A2 and B2 exhibited significant differences from C2 (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, significant differences were observed when subgroups C1 and C2 were compared to all the other subgroups (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Using the One Curve file with NaOCl during instrumentation and using XPF to improve the residual smear layer removal with EDTA exhibited the best efficacy for removing the residual smear layer.

Comparative evaluation of effect of nisin-incorporated ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and MTAD on endodontic biofilm eradication, smear layer removal, and depth of sealer penetration.

To comparatively evaluate the nisin-incorporated ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (N-EDTA) and MTAD on cytotoxicity, endodontic biofilm eradication potential, smear layer removal ability, and sealer penetration depth. N-EDTA was prepared and characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Minimum inhibitory, minimum bactericidal, and minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBC, MIC, and MBIC) were determined on Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) strain. The cytocompatibility of N-EDTA and MTAD was evaluated using 3,(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)-based colorimetric assay. Dentin specimens (n = 88 for antibacterial analysis, n = 170 for sealer penetration depth) were prepared and subjected to the classical irrigating strategy and obturation, respectively. The scanning electron microscopic evaluation (SEM) was done for the evaluation of biofilm disruption and smear layer removal. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) evaluation was done for determining percentage of bacterial viability and sealer penetration depth. Statistical analysis of one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post hoc tests for bacterial viability and Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test for smear layer removal and depth of penetration were done with the significance level set at p < 0.05. MTAD and N-EDTA showed cytocompatibility without any statistical differences from each other. For N-EDTA, the MIC and MBC values were 12.5 μg/ml (1:8), and MBIC values were 36 μg/ml. Biofilm disruption and killed bacterial percentage of N-EDTA was statistically higher than MTAD, whereas both the materials showed similar efficacy in the removal of the smear layer and sealer penetration depth. N-EDTA had negligible cytotoxicity with similar smear layer removal ability, sealer penetration, and better antibiofilm potential than MTAD. N-EDTA can serve as a viable alternative endodontic irrigant.

Effect of Passion Fruit Juice in Removal of Smear Layer in Root Canal of Ex Vivo Human Teeth: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study

Effect of Passion Fruit Juice in Removal of Smear Layer in Root Canal of Ex Vivo Human Teeth: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study