title: A Scanning electron microscopic evaluation of intracanal smear layer removal by two different final irrigation activation systems.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to compare smear layer removal at apical 1 mm level after final irrigation activation with an EndoVac system and Max-I probe.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty freshly extracted maxillary central incisors were randomly divided into two groups after completing cleaning and shaping with ProTaper rotary files. In one group, final irrigation was performed with an EndoVac system while in the other group final irrigation was performed with a 30 gauge Max-I probe. 3% sodium hypochlorite and 17% ethylenediaminetetracetic acid were used as final irrigants in all teeth. After instrumentation and irrigation, the teeth were sectioned longitudinally into buccal and palatal halves and viewed under a scanning electron microscope for evaluation of the smear layer. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The EndoVac group showed significantly better smear layer removal compared with the Max-I probe at the apical 1 mm level.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An apical negative pressure system (EndoVac) results in better debridement at apical 1 mm when compared with side-vented closed ended needle irrigation (Max-I probe).
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Private Practice, New Delhi, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, India.
authors.forename: Deepti
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dua
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Private Practice, New Delhi, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, India.
authors.forename: Ankur
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dua
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences, Belgaum, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Veerendra M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Uppin
keywords: EndoVac; max-I probe; root canal irrigation; scanning electron microscope; smear layer