Evaluating the efficacy of different techniques and irrigation solutions for removal of calcium hydroxide from the root canal system: A scanning electron microscope study

AIM: The aim of this scanning electron microscope study was to compare the efficacy of two techniques (EndoVac and EndoActivator) and two irrigating solutions (5.25% NaOCl in combination with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid vs. Savlon™) for removal of calcium hydroxide (CH) from the root canal walls. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was carried out in the specialty of conservative dentistry and endodontics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty single-canal human teeth were used. The specimens were de-coronated to obtain a standardized root length of 15 mm using a diamond disk. The canals were instrumented till F3 ProTaper and CH intracanal medicament placed in the root canal. One week later, teeth were randomly divided into one control group and six experimental groups according to different irrigation protocols with different techniques. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Kruskal–Wallis test was conducted to analyze the effect of different treatment measures with respect to three regions of tooth. RESULTS: The results indicated that there was no statistically significant difference between the two irrigation solutions and two techniques. CONCLUSION: To achieve the best adaptation of filling material after root canal treatment, it is crucial to remove intracanal medication from the root canal walls. However, none of the irrigation regimens and different techniques were able to completely remove the CH from the root canal wall.