Comparison of effectiveness of endoxal and endosal in removal of smear layer from root canal dentine surface: A SEM study

Abstract

Background. During biomechanical root canal preparation, a smear layer, consisting of organic and inorganic parts, appears on the surface of the canal dentine. Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Endoxal® and Endosal® in removal of smear layer from root canal dentine using scanning electron microscope. Material and Methods. Twenty extracted single-rooted human teeth were used in the study. The canals were instrumented using eS5 Endostar nickel-titanium rotary files powered by the endodontic micromotor S5 Endo Motor. During preparation, the canals were irrigated with 2% NaOCl. Final irrigation was performed with distilled water and afterwards the canals were dried with paper points. The canals were divided into two groups, according to their irrigation regimen: group I (n = 10 teeth) was irrigated with 2 mL of Endoxal and group II (n = 10 teeth) was irrigated with 2 mL of Endosal. Then the teeth were prepared for scanning electron microscopy to evaluate the smear layer removal from cervical, middle, and apical thirds. The presence of smear layer was assessed using a fourlevel debris scoring system, and data was statistically analyzed by Fisher’s exact test. Results. There was no significant difference between Endoxal and Endosal in smear layer removal. Conclusions. In both agents used for irrigation, a complete removal of the smear layer was not achieved. Removal of smear layer on the coronal and middle thirds was greater than that obtained on the apical third.