A Comparative Assessment of Three Different Irrigating Systems in Root Canal Treatment: An In vitro Study

BACKGROUND: Exact diagnosis, efficient cleaning, shaping as well as disinfection of the root canals lead to successful root canal treatment. The present study compared three different irrigating systems in root canal treatment. METHODOLOGY: Sixty recently extracted permanent mandibular molars were classified into four groups: Group I, II, III, and IV with 15 teeth each. Group I comprised Endo-Irrigator Plus system. Group II comprised EndoActivator, Group III utilized passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and Group IV was control, in which no activation of the irrigant was done. Stereomicroscope (X20) magnification was used for checking isthmus cleanliness. The scoring criteria were divided into score 1–5 depending on the amount of debris in root canal walls. RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation debris removal score in Group I was 2.6 ± 0.80, in Group II was 3.8 ± 0.72, in Group III was 3.9 ± 1.06, and in Group IV was 4.2 ± 0.82. The difference was significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Authors found that Endo-Irrigator Plus exhibited better cleaning efficacy followed by EndoActivator and PUI.