JOE may 2012 - In Vitro Comparison of Passive and Continuous Ultrasonic Irrigation in Simulated Lateral Canals of Extracted Teeth

In Vitro Comparison of Passive and Continuous Ultrasonic Irrigation in Simulated Lateral Canals of Extracted Teeth
Pablo Castelo-Baz, DDS,* Benjam ın Mart ın-Biedma, PhD,* Giuseppe Cantatore, PhD,† Manuel Ru ız-Pin~o n, MD,* Jos e Bahillo, DDS,* Berta Rivas-Mundin~a, MD,*and Purificacio n Varela-Patin~o, PhD* 

Introduction: Complete endodontic system disinfec- tion requires the removal of vital and necrotic pulp tissue, microorganisms, and toxins. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 2 ultrasonic irri- gation techniques on the penetration of sodium hypo- chlorite into the main canal and simulated lateral canals of extracted teeth. Methods: Two simulated lateral canals each were created 2, 4, and 6 mm from the working length in 60 single-rooted teeth (6 canals/ tooth, n = 360). To resemble the clinical situation, a closed system was created in each tooth. The teeth were randomly assigned to 3 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 irriga- tion (CUI). Samples were evaluated by direct observa- tion of still images recorded under a dental operating microscope. To examine irrigating solution penetration, 20% Chinese ink (Sanford Rotring GmbH, Hamburg, Germany) was added to a 5% sodium hypochlorite solu- tion and delivered into the root canals. Results: The results showed a significantly higher (P < .05) penetra- tion of irrigant into the lateral canals in the CUI group. PUI and CUI did not differ significantly in solution pene- tration into the apical thirds of the main canals. The PPI group showed a significantly lower penetration of sodium hypochlorite into the main and lateral canals compared with the CUI and PUI groups. Conclusions: CUI as a final rinse significantly increased the penetra- tion of irrigating solution into simulated lateral canals. 

Key Words

Continuous ultrasonic irrigation, passive ultrasonic irrigation, positive pressure irriga- tion, root canal irrigation, vapor lock(J Endod 2012;38:688–691)


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