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Factors affecting the clinical efficiency of ultrasonic endodontics: a scanning electron microscopy study
Author(s) -
CAMERON J. A.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
international endodontic journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.988
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1365-2591
pISSN - 0143-2885
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2591.1995.tb00156.x
Subject(s) - sodium hypochlorite , ultrasonic sensor , instrumentation (computer programming) , smear layer , endodontics , materials science , ultrasound , scanning electron microscope , dentistry , biomedical engineering , medicine , composite material , chemistry , radiology , computer science , organic chemistry , operating system
Summary The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate some of the clinical variables in ultrasonic endodontics. Forty extracted human teeth with a single, straight root 21–25 mm in length were prepared using combinations of the following variables: hand or ultrasonic instrumentation; apical seat prepared to file sizes 35, 40, 45 or 50; lml of water, 4% sodium hypochlorite or EDTAC as irrigant between each instrument size; three brands of ultrasound generator and inserts; a ‘low’, ‘medium’ or ‘high’ effective power output; a tuned or untuned circuit; post‐instrumentation ultrasonic irrigation with either 4% sodium hypochlorite, EDTAC, or the two used in sequence. The specimens were viewed in a scanning electron microscope and scored for the presence or absence of a smear layer at levels <1 mm, 5 mm and 10 mm from the apical seat. The most effective combination, as tested, was hand instrumentation to file size 40 with lml EDTAC irrigation between each instrument size, supplemented by intermittent flush irrigation with EDTAC with ultrasound then 4% sodium hypochlorite with ultrasound. This technique left a minimum smear layer restricted to the apical seat. Other combinations of instrumentation and irrigation were not consistent in their effectiveness.