A comparative study of cleaning efficacy of different endodontic irrigation methods and Er, Cr: YSGG laser irradiation

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the removal of dentin debris and smear layer from the root canal walls after use of different endodontic irrigaton methods and Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation using SEM. Sixty human canines extracted with orthodontic purposes were distributed into four experimental groups (n = 15) according to the final irrigation/agitation protocols after chemomechanical preparation. Conventional syringe irrigation with side-vented endodontic needle (group 1), passive ultrasonic irrigation (group 2), laser active irrigation with Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation (group 3) and apical negative pressure irrigation (EndoVac system) (group 4) were performed to the root canals for 6 min (3 min for active irrigation and additional 3 min for passive) totally. A combination of 2.5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA was used during final irrigation. The roots were split longitudinally and evaluated under SEM at x1000 to compare the amount of debris and smear layer scores in each third. Data were analyzed statistically by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (? = 0.05). According to the results, conventional syringe irrigation and Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation left significantly more debris (p < 0.05) inside the canals, while ultrasonic irrigation and EndoVac were the most effective methods (p < 0.05) for debris removal. Although none of the irrigation/agitation protocols completely removed the smear layer from the root canal walls, EndoVac system followed by ultrasonic irrigation was significantly more effective (p < 0.05). In conclusion, EndoVac system was found as a successful method for cleaning the root canal walls when compared with the other irrigation methods.Key Words: Debris, EndoVac, Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation, SEM, Smear Layer