Surface debris of canal walls after post space preparation in endodontically treated teeth: a scanning electron microscopic study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate surface cleanliness of root canal walls along post space after endodontic treatment using 2 different irrigant regimens, obturation techniques, and post space preparation for adhesive bonding.


METHODS
Forty teeth, divided into 4 groups, were instrumented, using Ni-Ti rotary files, irrigated with NaOCl or NaOCl+EDTA and obturated with cold lateral condensation (CLC) or warm vertical condensation (WVC) of gutta-percha. After post space preparation, etching, and washing procedure, canal walls were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Amount of debris, smear layer, sealer/gutta-percha remnants, and visibility of open tubules were rated.


RESULTS
Higher amounts of rough debris, large sealer/gutta-percha remnants, thick smear layer, and no visibility of tubule orifices were recorded in all the groups at apical level of post space. At middle and coronal levels areas of clean dentin, alternating with areas covered by thin smear layer, smaller debris, gutta-percha remnants, and orifices of tubules partially or totally occluded by plugs were frequently observed.


CONCLUSIONS
After endodontic treatment, obturation, and post space preparation SEM analysis of canal walls along post space shows large areas (covered by smear layer, debris, and sealer/gutta-percha remnants) not available for adhesive bonding and resin cementation of fiber posts.
Serafino
Cinzia
C
Department of Dental Materials, University of Siena, Italy.
Gallina
Giuseppe
G
Cumbo
Enzo
E
Ferrari
Marco
M
D000134:Acid Etching, Dental; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003804:Dentin / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006171:Gutta-Percha / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011176:Post and Core Technique; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012389:Root Canal Obturation / Q000379:methods; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation; D012390:Root Canal Therapy; D016369:Smear Layer; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013499:Surface Properties; D019246:Tooth Preparation; D019553:Tooth, Nonvital / Q000628:therapy*; D015035:Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use
D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D015035:Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D004492:Edetic Acid; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite