Effect of Aquatine Endodontic Cleanser on smear layer removal in the root canals of ex vivo human teeth.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to measure and compare the root canal cleanliness and smear layer removal effectiveness of Aquatine Endodontic Cleanser (Aquatine EC) when used as an endodontic irrigating solution in comparison with 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl).


METHODS
Forty-five human teeth were randomly allocated to five treatment groups; the pulp chamber was accessed, cleaned, and shaped by using ProTaper and ProFile rotary instrumentation to an ISO size #40. The teeth were then processed for scanning electron microscopy, and the root canal cleanliness and removal of smear layer were examined.


RESULTS
The most effective removal of smear layer occurred with Aquatine EC and NaOCl, both with a rinse of EDTA.


CONCLUSIONS
Aquatine EC appears to be the first hypochlorous acid approved by the FDA to be a possible alternative to the use of NaOCl as an intracanal irrigant. Further research is needed to identify safer and more effective alternatives to the use of NaOCl irrigation in endodontics.
Garcia
Faustino
F
Department of Endodontics, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328-2018, USA.
Murray
Peter E
PE
Garcia-Godoy
Franklin
F
Namerow
Kenneth N
KN
D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003804:Dentin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000382:microbiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D013293:Enterococcus faecalis / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006997:Hypochlorous Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D016369:Smear Layer; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000494:pharmacology
D002614:Chelating Agents; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D006997:Hypochlorous Acid; D004492:Edetic Acid; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite