Effect of Different Irrigation Activating Techniques on Irrigant Penetration Depth and Microbial Reduction in Root Canals (Clinical Study)

Chemomechanical preparation with removal of infected tissues and microbial biofilms is the corner stone of root canal treatment. Since mechanical instrumentation alone cannot adequately disinfect root canals, complete cleaning and shaping involves irrigation with chemicals together with mechanical instrumentation.

In addition to shaping the root canal, the aim of chemical-mechanical preparation of root canals is to eliminate vital or necrotic tissue, microorganisms and their products, and dentin debris that result from instrumentation. However, the complexity of root canal anatomy together with microbial infection hinder this purpose.

Primary endodontic infection is characterized by the presence of a wide range of microbial diversity dominated by anaerobes. The polymicrobial profile of pulp infection involves both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species.

Besides, the apical third of the root canal system typically has a complex morphology and is difficult to clean. So, it is important to bring irrigants into contact with the entire canal surfaces along its total micro anatomic complexity for effective action especially in the apical portions .

Irrigating solutions used during endodontic handling act through direct contact with the targeted bacteria. However, irrigants have inadequate penetration depth. It is highly desirable that chemical substances selected as endodontic irrigants have antimicrobial and organic tissue dissolution properties besides serving in the debridement of the root canal system and not being toxic to the tissues .Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) has been the gold standard for irrigation because of its ability to dissolve organic matter and high antimicrobial potential.