Cleaning efficiency of different root canal irrigating solutions

Abstract Aim To evaluate the cleaning efficiency of different root canal irrigating solutions (2.5% Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 0.2% Chitosan, and 10% Propolis) using a scanning electron microscope. Patients and methods Thirty-three single-rooted human premolars with nearly straight single canals were selected; the crowns of all teeth were removed near the level of the cementoenamel junction to obtain ~ 15 mm ± 1 root lengths. After working length determination, root canal preparation was performed using the XP-Endo Shaper file. The roots were randomly divided into three equal groups (n = 11) according to the final irrigation protocol: group 1: 0.2% Chitosan, group 2: 10% Propolis, and group 3: 2.5% NaOCl. Canal cleanliness was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy with different magnifications (×400, ×1000) for the remaining debris and smear layer. Results Chitosan showed the best dentin surface cleanliness at all root canal levels, while NaOCl had the worst ( P < 0.05). Regardless of the irrigation solution used, the coronal level showed significantly less smear layer and remaining debris than the apical level ( P < 0.05). Conclusion None of the tested final irrigation solutions completely removed the smear layer and debris from the root canal surface. The cleaning efficiency of the tested irrigants decreased from coronal to apical levels of the root canal.