Impact of maintaining apical patency on cleaning potentials of XP-endo Finisher in curved root canals

Abstract Background: Obtaining optimum cleanliness of root canal walls through mechanical and chemical tools has not yet been attained, mostly in the apical third of the root canal, and it has become more difficult in curved canals. This work aimed to investigate the impact of maintaining apical patency on the cleaning potentials of XP-endo Finisher in the apical third of curved root canals. Materials and Methods: Thirty curved roots (25 o :30 o ) were assigned for the study, divided into two groups: patency maintained (PM) and patency not maintained (PN). Irrigation activation performed using XP-endo finisher. Samples were longitudinally sectioned, and apical 1, 3, and 5 mm smear layer scores were assessed using a scanning electron microscope at ×2000. The smear layer scores from 1:4 were recorded as ordinal data. Statistical Analysis: Data were represented as median and interquartile range. Intergroup comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney U -test. Intragroup comparisons were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: Apical patency improved the cleaning potentials of XP-endo Finisher at apical 1 and 3 mm without statistical significance, while at 5 mm, it showed a statistical significance ( P < 0.5). Apical 1 mm showed the least smear layer removal abilities, while 5 mm showed the best. Conclusion: XP-endo Finisher irrigation activation proved high cleanliness abilities in curved root canals, which improved when canal patency was maintained during the treatment. One millimeter apical segment has reported the lowest cleanliness regardless of whether canals patency was maintained or not.