In vitro comparison of passive and continuous ultrasonic irrigation in curved root canals

Abstract

Background The efficacy of endodontic irrigation procedures can be compromised by the complexity of the root canal system. Delivering irrigants to the apical third of curved canals presents a particular challenge to endodontists. This study compared the effects of two ultrasonic irrigation techniques on the penetration of sodium hypochlorite into the main canal and simulated lateral canals of curved roots in extracted teeth. Material and Methods Two sets of simulated lateral canals were created at 2, 4, and 6 mm from the working length in 60 single-rooted teeth (6 canals/tooth, n = 360 canals). The teeth were randomly divided into three experimental irrigation groups: group 1 (n = 20), positive pressure irrigation (PPI); group 2 (n = 20), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI); and group 3 (n = 20), continuous ultrasonic irrigation (CUI). To assess the irrigation solution penetration, 20% Chinese ink (Sanford Rotring GmbH, Hamburg, Germany) was added to a 5% sodium hypochlorite solution and delivered into the curved root canals. The penetration of contrast solution into the simulated lateral canals was scored by counting the number of lateral canals (0-2) penetrated to at least 50% of the total length. Results The CUI group showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) irrigant penetration into the lateral canals and into the apical third of the main canals. The PPI group showed significantly lower sodium hypochlorite penetration (P < 0.001) into the main and lateral canals compared with that in the CUI and PUI groups. Significantly higher irrigant penetration was observed in the PUI group than the PPI group. Conclusions Using CUI as the final rinse significantly increased the penetration of irrigant solution into the simulated lateral canals and apical third of curved roots. Key words:Continuous ultrasonic irrigation, curved root canals, passive ultrasonic irrigation, positive pressure irrigation, root canal irrigation.

Effect of sonic versus ultrasonic activation on aqueous solution penetration in root canal dentin.

“…In spite of the above, Merino et al 27 and Castelo-Baz et al 28 reported better performance of ultrasound in the removal of adhered detritus in the apical third of teeth with curved canals. Additionally, the fact of having prepared the apical third to the length of a #50 file is beneficial, since according to Torabinejad et al 29 the correct irrigation of this area is achieved by using instruments longer than a #30 file.…”

Effectiveness of Vapor Lock Effect Removal in Endo Training Blocks: Manual Dynamic Agitation versus Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation

“…The literature shows how the methods for improving the activity of sodium hypochlorite are also effective in removing vapor lock. The methods used for the activation of hypochlorite and the removal of the vapor lock effect include passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) [18], manual dynamic agitation (MDA) [19,20], a sonic endoactivator [21], continuous ultrasonic irrigation (CUI) [22], and photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) [23].…”

Efecto del ultrasonido en la limpieza del sistema de conductos radiculares: revisión de literatura

“…Aunque todas las fases del tratamiento endodóntico deben realizarse con gran criterio, la limpieza de los conductos radiculares es uno de los principales factores para determinar el éxito del tratamiento endodôntico ², porque esta es la responsable de la eliminación de bacterias, tejidos necróticos, medicación intraconducto, restos dentinarios que no son eliminados en la instrumentación, además de funcionar como lubricante para la acción mecánica de la misma 3,4 .…”