title: Clinical implications of the smear layer in endodontics: a review.
abstract: It has been recognized for many years that root canal instrumentation produces a smear layer that covers the surfaces of prepared canal walls. This layer contains inorganic and organic substances such as fragments of odontoblastic processes and necrotic debris. There is a lack of agreement regarding the effect of the smear layer on the quality of instrumentation and obturation, but the smear layer itself may be infected and may protect the bacteria within the dentinal tubules. Various methods have been used to remove the smear layer. Conflicting results have been obtained from numerous in vitro studies regarding the significance of the presence or the removal of the smear layer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda University, CA 92350, USA.
authors.forename: Mahmoud
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Torabinejad
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Handysides
authors.forename: Abbas Ali
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Khademi
authors.forename: Leif K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Bakland
mesh_terms: D003763:Dental Leakage / Q000517:prevention & control; D003790:Dental Pulp Necrosis / Q000382:microbiology; D003804:Dentin / Q000382:microbiology; D003806:Dentin Permeability; D006089:Gram-Negative Anaerobic Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000494:pharmacology; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation; D016369:Smear Layer
chemical_list: D012388:Root Canal Irrigants