Effectiveness of root canal debris removal using passive ultrasound irrigation with chlorhexidine digluconate or sodium hypochlorite individually or in combination as irrigants.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the cleaning capacity of different auxiliary chemical substances energized with ultrasound in radicular dentin using morphologic analysis.


METHODS
Twenty-eight single-canal, mandibular incisors were prepared with the Hero 642 canal preparation system following the sequence: 25/12, 30/06, 35/02, and 40/02, 1 mm from the apex. The specimens were then divided into four groups of seven teeth. During biomechanical preparation the teeth were irrigated with 2 ml of distilled water between files. Each group of specimens (n=7) received a final irrigation with 100 ml of the following irrigants that were activated with ultrasound for 3 minutes: Group 1- distilled water; Group 2- 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX); Group 3- 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); and Group 4-the filtrate obtained after combining 0.2% CHX and 2.5% NaOCl. The apical portions of the root canals from each group were then submitted to histological processing and analyzed using optical microscopy.


RESULTS
Results showed statistical differences between the groups (p<0.01). Groups 1 and 2 (distilled water and 0.2% CHX respectively) were statistically similar in terms of a greater amount of debris, whereas 2.5% NaOCl and the filtrate were more efficient in removal of debris.


CONCLUSIONS
There is no additional benefit in terms of debris removal from root canal walls by irrigating with the filtrate obtained from the combination of NaOCl and CHX when compared to using NaOCl alone.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this study suggest the time and expense of preparing and using a combination of NaOCl and CHX is not warranted compared to using NaOCl alone for root canal irrigation.
Ferreira
Rafael Brandao
RB
School of Dentistry, University of Ribeirão Preto, UNAERP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
Marchesan
Melissa Andreia
MA
Silva-Sousa
Yara Teresinha
YT
Sousa-Neto
Manoel
M
D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000379:methods*; D016369:Smear Layer; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000494:pharmacology; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy
D004338:Drug Combinations; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite; C010882:chlorhexidine gluconate; D002710:Chlorhexidine