title: The Effect of Different Cleaning Protocols on Post Space: A SEM Study.
abstract: Aim. Purpose of the present paper is to analyze the efficiency of different post-space irrigation protocols.Methods. 28 single rooted teeth were endodontically treated. After post-space preparation every sample was assigned to one of three experimental groups and to one control group. In each group different irrigation protocols were performed as follows: EDTA (Group A), 37% orthophosphoric acid (Group B), and EDTA + 37% orthophosphoric acid with ultrasounds activation (Group C). In the control group (Group D) the irrigate association was not activated by ultrasounds. Three zones (coronal, middle, and apical) of each sample were analyzed by using Scan Electron Microscopy (SEM) without any metallization procedures. The presence of smear layer on the canal surface was qualitatively evaluated by applying Serafino's score with values included between 0 and 2.Results. The results of the research showed how Group C recorded the better results (0.81 ± 0.72). Group A and Group B showed lower mean scores (1.06 ± 0.69 and 1.08 ± 0.77); Group D showed the lowest mean score of 1.30 ± 0.69. The SEM observation analysis demonstrated how the smear layer presence decreased in the crown-apical direction.Conclusions. The different post-space treatments statistically determine significant differences on the dentinal surfaces cleansing. The absence of ultrasonic activation lowers the cleansing efficacy of endocanalar irrigants, showing sensible differences among each post-space zone.
authors.affiliation: Medical Sciences and Odontostomatology Department, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lo Giudice
authors.affiliation: Medical Sciences and Odontostomatology Department, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lizio
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Roberto Lo
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Giudice
authors.affiliation: Medical Sciences and Odontostomatology Department, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Centofanti
authors.affiliation: Medical Sciences and Odontostomatology Department, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rizzo
authors.affiliation: Medical Sciences and Odontostomatology Department, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Runci
authors.affiliation: Department of Economics, University Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alibrandi
authors.affiliation: Human Pathology Department, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-2311-9728
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cicciù