Effectiveness of Laser-activated and Ultrasonic Irrigation Techniques in Removal of Calcium Hydroxide and Modified Triple Antibiotic Paste from the Root Canals: An In Vitro Evaluation
Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of laser-activated irrigation (LAI) and ultrasonic irrigation (UI) in the removal of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] and modified triple antibiotic paste (MTAP) from the root canals.
Materials and methods: Root canals of freshly extracted human permanent maxillary incisors (n = 80) were prepared. The root canals of half sample (n = 40) were filled with Ca(OH)2 and the other half (n = 40) with MTAP, in which propylene glycol was used as a vehicle. After 14 days, roots were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 20) according to the irrigation technique used—group I [Ca(OH)2 with UI], group II (MTAP with UI), group III [Ca(OH)2 with LAI], group IV (MTAP with LAI). The roots were sectioned, and the intracanal medicament residues were evaluated at 25× magnification under stereomicroscope using 4-grade scoring system.
Statistical analysis: One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey tests were performed.
Results: Laser-activated irrigation (LAI) was found to be superior compared to UI. Ca(OH)2 was better removed compared to MTAP with either of the irrigation techniques. A statistically significant difference was found between the Ca(OH)2 with LAI and MTAP with UI groups in all the regions, that is, coronal, middle, and apical thirds.
Conclusion: Laser-activated irrigation (LAI) was superior to UI in removing Ca(OH)2 and MTAP. Ca(OH)2 was better removed than MTAP, irrespective of the technique used. However, none of the irrigation techniques could completely remove the intracanal medicament from the root canals.
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