SEM evaluation of root canal debridement with Sonicare CanalBrush irrigation.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of Sonicare CanalBrush irrigation for root canal cleaning.


METHODS
Fifty human molar root canals were shaped with sequential NiTi rotary instruments up to size F3 (size 30, 0.09 taper; ProTaper system) and then enlarged apically with a Profile size 40, 0.04 taper. Five different irrigation protocols were tested (n = 10 canals per group) with 2 mL of distilled water (control, group I) or 2.5% NaOCl (control group II and test groups III, IV and V) between instrument size changes. Group III-IV received a final rinse with 17% EDTA for one min. This was extended by 30 s in group IV, whereas group V received this additional 30 s of 17% EDTA sonically dispersed with a Sonicare CanalBrush. For cleanliness evaluations, roots were split longitudinally, examined with scanning electron microscopy and scored according to Hülsmann et al. (1997) for debris and smear layer on the surface of the root canal wall. Walls were assessed at the coronal, middle and apical thirds. Data were analysed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests.


RESULTS
Irrigation with 17% EDTA significantly reduced debris and smear layer scores (P < 0.05) compared to controls. The coronal and middle thirds had lower debris and smear layer scores than the apical third (P < 0.05). In all thirds, sonic agitation of the irrigant with a CanalBrush (group V) resulted in significantly cleaner canal walls compared to all other groups (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Irrigation by agitation with the Sonicare CanalBrush improved root canal debridement in the coronal, middle and particularly the apical thirds of the root canal.
Policlinic for Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
M I
MI
Salman
M A
MA
Baumann
M
M
Hellmich
M J
MJ
Roggendorf
S
S
Termaat
D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003790:Dental Pulp Necrosis / Q000473:pathology; D003804:Dentin / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016369:Smear Layer; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019227:Tooth Apex / Q000648:ultrastructure
D002614:Chelating Agents; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D004492:Edetic Acid; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite