Efficacy of sonic and ultrasonic irrigation devices in the removal of debris from canal irregularities in artificial root canals

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of different sonic and ultrasonic devices in the elimination of debris from canal irregularities in artificial root canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A resin model of a transparent radicular canal filled with dentin debris was used. Five groups were tested, namely: Group 1 – ultrasonic insert 15.02; Group 2 – ultrasonic insert 25/25 IRRI K; Group 3 – ultrasonic insert 25/25 IRRI S; Group 4 – sonic insert 20/28 Eddy on a vibrating sonic air-scaler handpiece; Group 5 – 20.02 K-file inserted on a Safety M4 handpiece. Two different irrigants (5% sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA) and 3 different times of activation (20, 40, and 60 seconds) were tested. Means and standard deviations were calculated and statistically analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the two irrigants used. Group 4 removed more debris than the other groups (p<0.05). Groups 1, 2, and 3 removed more debris than group 5 (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was found for the time of activation in all groups and at all canal levels, except between 40 and 60 seconds in group 4 at coronal and middle third level (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were found between 5% sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA. When the time of activation rises, the dentin debris removal increases in all groups. Both sonic and ultrasonic activation demonstrate high capacity for dentin debris removal.