A quantitative and qualitative analysis of ultrasonic versus sonic endodontic systems on canal cleanliness and obturation

• Published in: Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology, oral radiology and endodontics oral medicine, oral pathology, oral radiology and endodontics, 2011-12, Vol.112 (6), p.809-813
• Main Authors: Kanter, Valerie, DMD, Weldon, Emily, DMD, Nair, Uma, DMD, MDS, Varella, Claudio, DDS, MS, Kanter, Keith, DDS, Anusavice, Kenneth, PhD, Pileggi, Roberta, DDS, MS
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cuspid - ultrastructure; Dental Pulp Cavity - ultrastructure; Dentin - ultrastructure; Dentistry; Edetic Acid - administration & dosage; Epoxy Resins - therapeutic use; Gutta-Percha - therapeutic use; Humans; Materials Testing; Medical sciences; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Root Canal Filling Materials - therapeutic use; Root Canal Irrigants - administration & dosage; Root Canal Obturation - methods; Root Canal Preparation - instrumentation; Root Canal Preparation - methods; Smear Layer; Sodium Hypochlorite - administration & dosage; Sonication - instrumentation; Sonication - methods; Surgery; Syringes; Therapeutic Irrigation - instrumentation; Therapeutic Irrigation - methods; Tooth Apex - ultrastructure; Ultrasonic Surgical Procedures - instrumentation; Ultrasonic Surgical Procedures - methods
• ISSN: 1079-2104; 1528-395X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tripleo.2011.06.002

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare 2 irrigation techniques by evaluating canal cleanliness and obturation of lateral/accessory canals. Study design Seventy-five extracted canines were instrumented to a size #40/0.06 taper. The EndoActivator (EA) was compared with an ultrasonic unit for final irrigation. Each unit was used for 1 minute each with 6.15% NaOCl and 17% EDTA. A control group received syringe irrigation. Thirty teeth were sectioned and evaluated for debris removal and open dentinal tubules at 3/5 mm from the apical foramen with a scanning electron microscope. Forty-five teeth were examined for obturation of lateral canals. Results The EA was significantly better in removing debris at all levels when compared with other treatment groups ( P < .05) and resulted in obturation of significantly more numbers of lateral canals ( P < .01.) Conclusions The EA provided better obturation of lateral and accessory canals and resulted in less remaining debris.