Comparative Evaluation of Three Different Irrigation Activation on Debris Removal from Root Canal Systems

Objective: The purpose of this in vitro study is to evaluate the ability of EndoActivator, F fi le and passive ultrasonic irrigation to clean canals when compared to syringe irrigation. Study design: Fifty six teeth were instrumented and irrigated using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA). The teeth were divided into four groups and the irrigants were activated with the EndoActivator, F fi les or passive ultrasonic irrigation. One group served as the control and received syringe irrigation. The roots were sectioned and debris was scored using scanning electron microscope images of the apical, middle and coronal thirds. Results: The EndoActivator cleaned the apical and the middle third of the canals signifi cantly better than the F-fi les (p < 0.05). F-fi les performed no better than the control group in the apical third of the canal. Conclusion: None of the systems were able to completely remove the debris from the apical third of the canal.