Irrigation

The depth of irrigant needle in removing bacteria

• The mechanical efficacy of 6 mL of irrigant in reducing intracanal bacteria was significantly greater when delivered 1 mm compared with 5 mm from WL.
• Sedgley et al. (2005)

Smear Layer Removal

Smear Layer Removal

• Removal of the smear layer is an important step to facilitate disinfection of the root canal
• Organic Acid Irrigants:
• Citric acid (1% - 50% ).
• Polyacrylic acid (e.g. Durelon and Fuju II liquids).
• Solutions
• Carbamide peroxide.
• Aminoquinaldinium diacetate (i.e., Salvizol).
• Chelating Agents
• EDTA

Removal of the smear layer by EDTA (or citric acid) improves the antibacterial effect of locally used disinfecting agents in deeper layers of dentine.

• Removal of the smear layer by EDTA (or citric acid) improves the antibacterial effect of locally used disinfecting agents in deeper layers of dentine.

• Ørstavik & Haapasalo (1990)