Abstract:
INTRODUCTION : a variety of endodontic irrigants are
available for endodontic irrigation. Irrigants must be
effective in removing the smear layer created during
endodontic therapy as well as eliminating bacteria.
AIM : This in vitro study tested various alternating
sequences of sodium hypochlorite, anolyte solution
(electrochemically activated water), and EDTA for their
ability to do this.
METHOD : Forty-eight single canal teeth were randomly
divided into six groups, prepared to working length, sterilised
and inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis. Each group
was assigned a different sequence of irrigants. Standard
cultivation techniques were used to count the colonyforming
units at each phase. Two SEM photomicrographs
of each root’s coronal, middle and apical thirds were
taken randomly and the number of patent dentinal tubules
counted. Statistical analysis was completed using Oneway-
ANOVA and multiple comparisons.
RESULTS : Group 6 (n=10) protocol of 5ml anolyte followed
by 3ml 18% EDTA showed the best smear layer removal
results for all thirds of the canal. Chemical irrigation
significantly decreased the intracanal E. faecalis CFUs.
CONCLUSION : Within the limitations of the study anolyte
solution followed by EDTA showed the best smear layer
removal. The various sequences of NaOCl, anolyte
solution, and EDTA all had similar antibacterial results.
