Evaluation of pulp tissue dissolution capacity through different sodium hypochlorite agitation protocols

Aims: This ex vivo study aimed to assess the dissolving capacity of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite using eight agitation protocols within swine pulp tissue. Subjects and Methods: Twelve lower first premolars were prepared and split into the fragments with a groove housing porcine dental pulp. Groups were assigned based on agitation systems: manual, passive ultrasonic, Easy Clean and XP-Endo Finisher. Two agitation time protocols were applied: One min (3 s × 20 s cycles) and 2 min (6 s × 20 s cycles). Wilcoxon Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the groups. Results: Both time frames demonstrated superior results compared to manual group ( P > 0.5). However, in the two min groups, no significant differences were observed among the other protocols ( P < 0.5). Intriguingly, increasing cycle numbers significantly improved results within each group ( P > 0.5). Conclusion: Extending the chemical agitation time during final irrigation enhances tissue removal, regardless of the irrigation protocol employed.