title: Review of ultrasonic irrigation in endodontics:  increasing action of irrigating solutions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Effective irrigant delivery and agitation are prerequisites for successful endodontic treatment. Ultrasonic irrigation can be performed with or without simultaneous ultrasonic instrumentation. Existing literature reveals that ultrasonic irrigation may have a very positive effect on chemical, biological and physical debridement of the root canal system as investigated in many in vitro studies.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this review article was to summarize and discuss the available information concerning ultrasonic irrigation in endodontics.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article presents an overview of ultrasonic irrigation methods and their debridement efficacy. In this paper the relevant literature on passive ultrasonic irrigation is reviewed. Information from original scientific papers or reviews listed in MEDLINE and Cochrane were included in the review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The use of ultrasound in the irrigation procedure results in improved canal cleanliness, better irrigant transfer to the canal system, soft tissue debridement, and removal of smear layers and bacteria. There are many in vitro studies, but there is a need to standardize protocols, and correlate the clinical efficacy of ultrasonic devices with improved treatment outcomes. Understanding the basis of ultrasonic irrigation is fundamental for clinicians and researchers to improve the design and use of ultrasonic irrigation.
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Endodontics Program, Department of Stomatology, University of Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mozo
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Llena
authors.forename: Leopoldo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Forner
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D012996:Solutions; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods; D014465:Ultrasonics
chemical_list: D012996:Solutions