The key factor in the production of pulp and periapical inflammation is represented by the presence of bacteria in the root canal system and the outcoming toxins. Bacterial biofilm is identifiable in the various areas of the endodontic space, but due to the complexity of the internal anatomy of the root canal, bacteria removing is yet difficult to obtain, a particularly important step for treat...

INTRODUCTION One of the main goals of endodontic treatment is to decrease the harboring bacteria within the root canal system and dentinal tubules. This experimental study attempted to investigate the antibacterial efficacy of three root canal irrigants in the presence and absence of smear layer (SL). METHODS AND MATERIALS A total of 210 sound extracted human single-rooted teeth were prepared...

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different needle-insertion depths on the accuracy of the Root ZX II and Root ZX mini apex locators in the presence of various irrigants. METHODS: Ninety extracted single-canal human teeth were used in nine experimental groups. The coronal one-third of the canals was preflared, and the length to the major foramen was ...

Biofilms and microbial aggregates are the common mechanisms for the survival of bacteria in nature. In other words, the ability to form biofilms has been regarded as a virulence factor. Microbial biofilms play an essential role in several infectious diseases such as pulp and periradicular pathosis. The aim of this article was to review the adaptation mechanisms of biofilms, their roles in pulpa...

BACKGROUND Long term successful root canal treatment requires effective debridement and disinfection of root canal system. Persistent periradicular lesions are usually associated with Enterococccus faecalis. Prompt research for natural alternatives for irrigation is mainly due to the constant increase in antibiotic resistant strains and side effects caused by synthetic drugs. Sodium hypochlorit...

Aims During biomechanical preparation of the root canal system, the cutting action of instruments on dentine result in the formation of hard-tissue debris, which can be packed in some areas of the root canal system, mainly in anatomical variations as isthmus, branches and flattening (1, 2). Accumulated hard-tissue debris in the root canal system may compromise thorough disinfection and filling ...

INTRODUCTION Taper is a factor that determines final root canal dimensions and, consequently, the dimensions of the space for the cleaning action of irrigants. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of taper on root canal cleanliness. METHODS Root canals of 45 mandibular incisors were divided into 3 groups and prepared with GT rotary files to apical preparati...

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine minimal apical enlargement for irrigant penetration into apical third of root canal system using scanning electron microscope (SEM). MATERIALS AND METHODS Distobuccal canals of 40 freshly extracted human maxillary first molar teeth were instrumented using crown-down technique. The teeth were divided into four test groups according to size of t...

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...

During the cleaning and shaping of the root canal, various irrigants have been used to reduce the residual debris, necrotic tissue, and bacteria, as well as to remove smear layer. Though sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is the most common irrigant used in root canal treatment, chlorhexidine (CHX) has been suggested as either an alternative or an adjunct root canal irrigant because of its antimicrobi...