Passive ultrasonic irrigation in calcium hydroxide removal from root canals: a sem/ eds analysis

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different lengths of time of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) in removing calcium hydroxide (CH) paste from root canal, using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-four human premolars were used. After coronal access, a size #15 K-file was used to obtain apical patency. Root canal preparation was performed using WaveOne 40.08 instruments. CH paste was placed into the root canal. Specimens were stored in a humid environment, and after seven days, they were divided into five groups (n=12) according to the irrigation protocols: Manual­ a size #40 K-file; PUI/1­ 1 min; PUI/2­ 2 min; PUI/3­ 3 min; and Control­ without CH paste. An elementary chemical microanalysis (SEM/EDS) was performed to quantify the presence of calcium on the dentinal walls. RESULTS: The percentage of calcium was higher in all experimental groups when compared to the control group (P < 0.05); but no differences among them were found (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The amount of calcium hydroxide paste on the dentinal walls was not dependent on length of time of ultrasonic activation. SEM/EDS analysis seems to be a reliable method to assess CH paste removal from the root canals.

Residues of different gel formulations on dentinal walls: A SEM/EDS analysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of residues of sodium hypochlorite gel, chlorhexidine gel, and EDTA gel on dentinal walls after canal preparation through chemical SEM- elemental chemical microanalysis (EDS) analysis. Forty-eight single-rooted teeth were selected. They had their crowns sectioned and were instrumented with a reciprocating system. The canals were irrigated with 5 mL of saline solution during root canal preparation. After instrumentation, the root canals were irrigated with 3 mL 17% EDTA followed by 1 min of ultrasonic passive activation (3× 20 sec) to remove the smear layer, and then irrigated with 3 mL of saline solution. The specimens were randomized into three groups (n = 12) according to the chemical substance that filled the root canal for 30 min: GI: 5.5% sodium hypochlorite gel; GII: 2% chlorhexidine gel; GIII: 24% EDTA gel; Negative control group: no substance was used. Then, the root canals were irrigated with 6 mL of saline solution followed by 1 min of ultrasonic passive activation (3× 20 sec). After ultrasonic activation, the canals were irrigated with 2 mL saline. The roots were sectioned, and the percentage of each chemical element present in the samples was analyzed through chemical SEM-EDS microanalysis. All experimental groups showed a significantly higher percentage of chemical elements (Na and/or Cl) than the control group (P < 0.03). This in vitro study has shown that, regardless of chemical solutions used even after the final irrigation protocol, chemical residues of different substances remained attached to the root canal walls.

Penetrability of AH plus and MTA fillapex after endodontic treatment and retreatment: a confocal laser scanning microscopy study.

The aim of the study was to assess the penetrability of two endodontic sealers (AH Plus and MTA Fillapex) into dentinal tubules, submitted to endodontic treatment and subsequently to endodontic retreatment. Thirty ex vivo incisors were prepared using ProTaper rotary system up to F3 instrument and divided in three groups according to the endodontic sealer used for root canal filling: AH Plus (AHP), MTA Fillapex (MTAF), and control group (CG) without using EDTA previously to the root canal filling. Rhodamine B dye (red) was incorporated to the sealers in order to provide the fluorescence which will enable confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) assessment. All specimens were filled with gutta-percha cones using the lateral compaction technique. The specimens were submitted to endodontic retreatment using ProTaper Retreatment system, re-prepared up to F5 instruments and filled with gutta-percha cones and the same sealer used during endodontic retreatment. Fluorescein dye (green) was incorporated to the sealer in order to distinguish from the first filling. The roots were sectioned 2 mm from the apex and assessed by CLSM. No difference was found between the two experimental groups (P > 0.05). On the other hand, in the control group the sealers were not capable to penetrate into dentinal tubules after endodontic treatment (P > 0.05). In retreatment cases, none of the sealers were able to penetrate into dentin tubules. It can be concluded that sealer penetrability is high during endodontic treatment. However, MTA Fillapex and AH Plus do not penetrate into dentinal tubules after endodontic retreatment.