The effect of ultrasonic root canal preparation on inflammatory root resorption

In recent years, ultrasonic endodontic instruments have been used for the cleansing and disinfecting of root canals. In the present study, inflammatory root resorption, itself an indication of the presence of bacteria in the dental root, was experimentally induced in monkey teeth. Root canals were subjected to ultrasonic endodontic preparation in order to investigate the antibacterial effects of this treatment method on the pulpal and periodontal tissues in vivo. Results were histologically evaluated using a morphometric technique, and revealed that ultra‐sonication eliminated bacteria and inflammatory root resorption. Furthermore, it had no damaging effects on a healthy periodontal membrane. It is suggested that this mode of treatment may be of value in the elimination of bacteria inside those dentinal tubules otherwise inaccessible to conventional therapy.