AIMS To devise an ex vivo model to test the efficacy of irrigation (static/dynamic) in removing a bio-molecular film from root canal walls. METHODOLOGY Forty human teeth with single straight canals were randomly allocated to two groups for static (n = 20) or dynamic (n = 20) irrigation. The root canals were prepared to different apical sizes (20, 40) and tapers (0.04, 0.08). The teeth were sp...

BACKGROUND Bacterial biofilms formed on the root canal wall are often difficult to remove. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect and antibacterial efficacy of chitosan when used as root canal irrigant against E. Faecalis and Candida albicans biofilm formed on tooth substrate. MATERIAL AND METHODS The present study evaluated antibacterial effect of 0.25% Chitosan, 0.5% Chitosan, 2%...

Non surgical endodontic therapy uses biomechanical cleansing and shaping of the canal, which may be combined with the application of antimicrobial irrigants and intracanal medications, to eliminate these bacteria. The study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of Ocetenidine Dihydrochloride, a newer irrigant with Sodium Hypochlorite, a gold standard against Enterococcus faecalis in root canal d...

INTRODUCTION Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) has long been the most preferred root canal irrigant in endodontic treatment, but besides being an effective anti-microbial agent, it is highly cytotoxic. Thus, a search for an alternative herbal irrigant which would be more biocompatible but equally effective led to this study. AIM To assess the anti-microbial efficacy of garlic extract (GE) against E...

BACKGROUND Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is the most widely used endodontic irrigant because of its excellent antimicrobial, organic tissue dissolving, and lubricating properties. However, it is highly cytotoxic to the periapical tissues. AIM This study evaluated in vitro the extrusion of 5.25% NaOCl through the apical foramina of mesiobuccal (MB) root canals of maxillary first molars in two ex...

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in various concentrations is the most widely used endodontic irrigant, but it can be an irritant to vital tissues. There are several reports about the complications of irrigation with NaOCl during root canal therapy. Most of the complications are the result of accidental extrusion of the solution from the apical foramen or accessory canals or perforations into the pe...

AIM To evaluate the efficacy of ethanolic extract of Salvadora persica (S. persica) and BioPure MTAD (a mixture of a tetracycline isomer, an acid, and a detergent) in removing the intracanal smear layer of primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS The root canal of 40 extracted human primary anterior teeth were cleaned, shaped and grouped into experimental (n = 30) and control (n = 10). The root c...

AIM To investigate the pattern of routine endodontic practices among Nigerian dentists. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was a questionnaire-based survey of samples of dentists in the Nigerian cities of Enugu and Benin. The self-administered questionnaire contained 25 close-ended questions with multiple choice options. The data collected included demographic details of respondents, root canal...

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to compare the efficiency of four commonly used chemicals in their ability to remove smear layer after instrumentation using scanning electron microscope (SEM). MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-five extracted single canaled teeth of roots ranging 10-12 mm in length were used for the study. Teeth were divided into 4 study groups and 1 control group of 15...