A cone-beam computed tomography assessment of the efficacy of different irrigation devices for removal of silicone oil-based calcium hydroxide from root canal system

BACKGROUND Most often used intracanal medicament is calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). Removal of Ca(OH)2 before obturation is mandatory. Different irrigation solutions and devices were tested in the previous study for this purpose. AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate the comparative efficacy of different irrigation techniques in removing intracanal medicament using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS Cleaning and shaping was carried out in 42 freshly extracted single-rooted mandibular first premolars using Protaper Rotary Files. Intracanal medicament (silicone oil-based Ca(OH)2 paste) was placed and left for 2 weeks in the root canal. Medicament was then removed by five different irrigation techniques: EndoActivator, EndoVac, ultrasonic irrigation with Endo-U-File, F-file, and Max-i-Probe needle. Changes in volume percentage were measured using CBCT and results were statistically analyzed using Levene's statistics and ANOVA. RESULTS Remnants of Ca(OH)2 were found in all experimental groups. No significant difference was detected among the groups. F-file showed maximum removal efficacy of approximately 48%. CONCLUSION (1) There is no statistically significant difference between any irrigation technique for removal of oil-based Ca(OH)2. (2) F-file demonstrated better results among all the other systems.