Efficacy of novel root canal irrigating solutions on canal debridement

Abstract Aim To evaluate efficacy of three root canal irrigation protocols (2.5% NaOCl followed by 17% EDTA, 0.5% BioAKT, and Dual Rinse HEDP) on canal debridement using scanning electron microscope. Materials and methods Forty-five single rooted human mandibular premolars with nearly straight single canals were selected, the crowns of all teeth were removed near the level of cementoenamel junction to obtain approximately 14±1 mm uniform root lengths. After instrumentation with ProTaper Universal rotary files up to F4 (40/06), roots were randomly divided into three equal groups ( n = 15) according to the final irrigation protocol. Group I: samples were finally rinsed with 5 ml of 2.5% NaOCl for 2 min, followed by distilled water, then 5 ml of 17% EDTA for 1 min. Group II: samples were finally rinsed with 5 ml of 0.5% BioAKT for 3 min. Group III: 5 ml of dual rinse HEDP was used for 3 min. Canal cleanliness was evaluated using scanning electron microscope with magnification of ×1000. Results Group III and group II had the best cleanliness of the root canal while group I had the worst result. There were statistical significant differences between group I versus group II and group III ( P ≤ 0.05) while there was no significant difference between group II versus group III. Regardless the final irrigation method, the coronal and middle thirds showed less amount of smear layer and remaining debris than the apical third. Conclusion None of the tested final irrigating protocols resulted in completely clean canal wall. BioAKT and Dual Rinse HEDP showed significant reduction in smear layer and remaining debris compared to NaOCl followed by EDTA irrigation protocol.