Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of three different irrigation devices in removal of debris from root canal at two different levels: An in vitro study

AIM: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the cleaning efficacy of NaviTip, Max-i-Probe and Endovac in removal of debris from the root canal at 1.5 and 3.5 mm from the apex. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty single-rooted teeth were divided into four groups according to the root canal irrigation system (EndoVac, NaviTip, Max-i-Probe, and control). Instrumentation was done using ProFile 0.06 taper series to MAF #40. Root canals were irrigated after each file size with 1 ml of 5% NaOCl. For final irrigation 5 ml of 5% NaOCl and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was used. Each group was irrigated with a different irrigation device. Four micron thick serial sections were prepared at 1.5 and 3.5 mm from the apical level and photographs were taken for the analysis. The influence of the irrigation system was evaluated using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and unpaired t-test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Endovac showed significantly least amount of mean percentage debris followed by Max-i-probe and NaviTip at both levels (P < 0.05). In all the experimental groups, significantly less amount of mean percentage debris was seen at 3.5 mm level than at 1.5 mm level (P < 0.05). However, the difference was statistically insignificant in case of Endovac irrigation system group. CONCLUSIONS: Amongst all the experimental groups, Endovac removed significantly more debris followed by Max-i-probe and NaviTip at both levels.