Irrigant Activation for Intra-Radicular Smear Layer Removal

Root Canal therapy aims at a thorough Chemo-mechanical debridement followed by a three-dimensional sealing of the complex root canal system. Current methods of root canal shaping produce a smear layer that covers root canal walls and the openings to the dentinal tubules. A complete removal of this layer is challenging if not impossible through only a flushing action of liquid EDTA as an irrigant. The focus today is on activation of this irrigant solution to provide a synergistic action between mechanical and chemical means of debridement. Although, investigators have studied the effect of activation of irrigating solution versus non-activation, a comprehensive study comparing various activating methods has not been documented. The aim of this research was to compare the effectiveness of different methods for activating 17% liquid EDTA for removal of intra-radicular smear layer throughout the length of the root canal. The results obtained from this research can be applied to clinical models for providing a better and more predictable outcome to endodontic therapy.

Autorentext

Dr. Roheet Khatavkar is serving as a Lecturer, Terna Dental College, NaviMumbai and also has a private practice in Mumbai. He graduated from Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai(2005), Postgraduation in Endodontics from M.A. Rangoonwala Dental College, Pune(2010) and awarded a Master's degree in Oral Laser application by University of Vienna(2010)