title: Influence of diode laser application on the efficiency of QMiX and EDTA solutions in removing smear layer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of QMiX and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solutions with diode laser treatment in smear layer removal.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Removing the smear layer from the apical thirds of root canals is difficult, regardless of the solution used. Researchers have been improved some irrigation agitation methods to overcome this challenge, and agitation of irrigants with laser devices has become popular.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-five extracted mandibular premolars were used. After root canals were, prepared the specimens were divided into five groups (n = 15): Group 1, no irrigation; Group 2, 17% EDTA; Group 3, QMiX solution; Group 4, 17% EDTA with diode laser; and Group 5, QMiX with diode laser. The roots were split longitudinally and prepared for scanning electron microscopic (SEM) investigation. The smear layer was evaluated under × 500, × 1000, and × 2000 magnifications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The amount of smear layer was found significantly high in the control group (p < 0.001). In the EDTA group, the amount of smear layer was significantly high at the apical thirds, and the differences among the three regions were statistically significant (p < 0.001). In the QMiX group, no difference was found between the coronal and middle thirds; however, the amount of smear layer was significantly high at the apical thirds (p < 0.001). In the EDTA plus laser and the QMiX plus laser groups, the smear layer was found significantly high at the apical thirds (p < 0.001). However, no differences were found between the coronal and middle thirds in either group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  None of the solutions completely removed the smear layer, especially at the apical thirds. Diode laser treatment with solutions decreased the amount of smear layer, without significance.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Endodontics, Bülent Ecevit University , Zonguldak, Turkey .
authors.forename: Sibel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Koçak
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Endodontics, Bülent Ecevit University , Zonguldak, Turkey .
authors.forename: Ersan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Çiçek
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Endodontics, Bülent Ecevit University , Zonguldak, Turkey .
authors.forename: Baran Can
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Sağlam
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Endodontics, Bülent Ecevit University , Zonguldak, Turkey .
authors.forename: Mustafa Murat
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Koçak
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Endodontics, Bülent Ecevit University , Zonguldak, Turkey .
authors.forename: Sevinç Aktemur
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Türker
mesh_terms: D001645:Biguanides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008875:Middle Aged; D011108:Polymers / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016369:Smear Layer / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D001645:Biguanides; D011108:Polymers; C557698:QMix root canal irrigant; D004492:Edetic Acid