Narrative Review on Methods of Activating Irrigation Liquids for Root Canal Treatment

Abstract

As indicated by standards of modern dentistry, the essence of endodontic treatment is chemo-mechanical disinfection of the root canal system. The vital element of this process is the irrigation of canals with designated solutions as well as activating them. This review article summarizes various techniques of activation of irrigants for endodontic treatment such as manual activation, thermal, pressure, sonic, ultrasonic, and laser techniques in order to compare them. Results were gathered using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases by searching keywords: activation, irrigation, irrigation protocols, and sodium hypochlorite.

Disinfection Efficacy of Laser Activation on Different Forms and Concentrations of Sodium Hypochlorite Root Canal Irrigant against Enterococcus faecalis in Primary Teeth

“…The photoactivated disinfection mechanism has a significant role in the antibacterial effect of the laser, as when it is combined with NaOCl, it resulted in several benefits; for instance, the acceleration of irrigant penetration inside the root canal, which leads to a rapid bactericidal effect; the complete removal of biofilms and, consequently, the efficient penetration of photosensitisers inside dentinal tubules; and the controlled penetration of the photosensitiser into the adjoining bone and periodontal ligament, which decreases the cytotoxicity and limits the thermal side-effects on the adjacent tissues [25].…”

Sodium hypochlorite as an endodontic irrigant and its effect on dentine: a review of literature

“…Although root canals are shaped mechanically either by hand or rotary instrumentation, the eradication of microorganisms is completed by adequate irrigation. 4,5,6 The combination of mechanical debridement and the use of an adequate canal irrigant results in an even greater decrease of the microbial population. 7,8,9,10 Sodium hypochlorite, as the irrigant, is responsible for the dissolution of organic pulpal tissue.…”

Debris and Smear Layer Removal in Curved Root Canals: A Comparative Study of Ultrasonic and Sonic Irrigant Activation Techniques

“…Such uncontrolled dentin removal has the potential to contribute to the development of an undesirable smear layer [ 22 , 24 ]. An alternative option that might overcome this limitation is sonic activation with a polymer tip [ 30 ]. Eddy sonic powered irrigation system (EDDY, VDW, Munich, Germany) is an airscaler-powered activation system featuring a flexible polyamide tip operating at a frequency of 5000 to 6000 Hz.…”