Effect of Final Irrigation Regimen on Sealer Penetration in Curved Root Canals

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different final irrigation regimens on the sealer penetration into dentinal tubules of curved root canals. Methods: The mesiobuccal canals from 45 extracted maxillary and mandibular molars were instrumented with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) irrigation. The samples were divided into 3 groups according to the final irrigation used: group N (control), 3.5% NaOCl; group E, 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); and group EN, 17% EDTA followed by 3.5% NaOCl. All teeth were obturated with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer labeled with fluorescent dye. Transverse sections at 2 mm (apical) and 5 mm (coronal) from root apex were examined by using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Then, total percentage and maximum depth of sealer penetration were measured. Results: The apical sections in each group showed significantly lower percentage and maximum depth of sealer penetration than the coronal sections (P < .05). In apical levels, group E and EN resulted in a higher percentage of sealer penetration than the control group (P < .05), but there was no significant difference of maximum depth between group E and the control group (P > .05). Conclusions: In curved canal, final rinse with NaOCl after the use of EDTA had no additional effect on sealer penetration. Complete debridement with a 1-minute application of EDTA remains a challenge in the apical area of curved canals. (J Endod 2010;36:732-736)