Abstract
BACKGROUND: An endodontic treatment consists in cleaning, shaping and filling the root canal system. Irrigation is the chemical part of the process that ensures the total removal of debris. Activating the irrigation solution will improve and accelerate the process. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to evaluate the removal of debris and smear layer at 1, 3, and 5mm from the foramen after needle irrigation, EndoActivator® and Irrisafe®. Sixty single-rooted teeth were prepared using Primary WaveOne Gold®. METHODS: Teeth were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=15): needle irrigation - Group A, EndoActivator® for 1 min - Group B, Irrisafe® for 1 min - Group C, Irrisafe® for 30 sec - Group D. Root canals were observed under a scanning electron microscope. Data were analyzed by Friedman and Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS: Debris was significantly higher with group A compared to B, C, and D. Irrisafe® was significantly more effective in removing the smear layer than the other groups. However, activation techniques showed less debris and smear layer than needle alone nevertheless. CONCLUSION: Irrisafe® showed the best results regardless of time.