The use of chelating agents with passive ultrasonic irrigation enhances root canal filling sealing ability

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the influence of a final rinse with and without passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), using 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or 10% citric acid (CA), with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with PUI, on the sealing ability of root canal fillings. Root canal instrumentation was performed in single-rooted premolars using NaOCl as the irrigant. Subsequently, the roots were randomly allocated into four experimental groups (n=23): EDTA+PUI, EDTA, CA+PUI, CA and control group: NaOCl+PUI. The specimens were root-filled using gutta-percha with a resin-based sealer and inserted into a device to measure glucose leakage at 7 and 30 days. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann- Whitney tests were used to evaluate the differences between the solutions and with or without PUI. Friedman’s ANOVA was used to compare time points (P<0.05). PUI groups showed lower infiltration values (EDTA+PUI 0.74±0.77 and CA+PUI 5.32±1.45) when compared to the groups on which PUI was not performed (EDTA 7.20±2.18 and CA 20.73±4.70), this difference was significant for EDTA (P<0.01) and CA (P=0.000). Also, EDTA showed less glucose infiltration than CA, with or without PUI (P<0.005). NaOCl+PUI showed a higher cumulative glucose infiltration (22.92±9.71). A final rinse using EDTA or CA with PUI enhances the sealing of root canal fillings. EDTA showed less infiltration.