Safety and Efficacy Considerations in Endodontic ... - IneedCE.com
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Publication date: January 2011<br />
Expiry date: December 2013<br />
Earn<br />
3 CE credits<br />
This course was<br />
written for dentists,<br />
dental hygienists,<br />
<strong>and</strong> assistants.<br />
<strong>Safety</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Efficacy</strong> <strong>Considerations</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Endodontic</strong> Irrigation<br />
A Peer-Reviewed Publication<br />
Written by Gary Glassman DDS, FRCD(C)<br />
Go Green, Go Onl<strong>in</strong>e to take your course<br />
This course has been made possible through an unrestricted educational grant. The cost of this CE course is $59.00 for 3 CE credits.<br />
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Any participant who is not 100% satisfied with this course can request a full refund by contact<strong>in</strong>g PennWell <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g.
Educational Objectives<br />
The overall goal of this article is to provide the reader with<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation on endodontic irrigation.<br />
On <strong>com</strong>pletion of this course, the reader will be able to:<br />
1. List <strong>and</strong> describe the challenges for successful endodontic<br />
treatment<br />
2. List <strong>and</strong> describe the different types of root canal irrigants,<br />
their relative advantages <strong>and</strong> disadvantages<br />
3. List <strong>and</strong> describe root canal irrigation systems<br />
4. Describe <strong>and</strong> expla<strong>in</strong> a sodium hypochlorite <strong>in</strong>cident<br />
5. List <strong>and</strong> describe the steps that can be taken to avoid a<br />
sodium hypochlorite <strong>in</strong>cident.<br />
Abstract<br />
<strong>Endodontic</strong> treatment is a predictable procedure with<br />
high success rates. Success depends on a number of factors,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g appropriate <strong>in</strong>strumentation, successful<br />
irrigation <strong>and</strong> decontam<strong>in</strong>ation of the root canal space to<br />
the apices <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong> areas such as isthmuses. These steps must<br />
be followed by <strong>com</strong>plete obturation of the root canals, <strong>and</strong><br />
placement of a coronal seal, prior to restorative treatment.<br />
Several irrigants <strong>and</strong> irrigation systems are available, all<br />
of which behave differently <strong>and</strong> have relative advantages<br />
<strong>and</strong> disadvantages. Common root canal irrigants <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexid<strong>in</strong>e gluconate, alcohol,<br />
hydrogen peroxide <strong>and</strong> ethylenediam<strong>in</strong>etetraacetic acid<br />
(EDTA). In select<strong>in</strong>g an irrigant <strong>and</strong> technique, consideration<br />
must be given to their efficacy <strong>and</strong> safety.<br />
Introduction<br />
With the <strong>in</strong>troduction of modern techniques, endodontic<br />
success rates of up to 98% are be<strong>in</strong>g achieved. 1<br />
The ultimate goal of endodontic treatment per se is the<br />
prevention or treatment of apical periodontitis such<br />
that there is <strong>com</strong>plete heal<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> an absence of <strong>in</strong>fection,<br />
2 while the overall long-term goal is the placement<br />
of a def<strong>in</strong>itive, cl<strong>in</strong>ically successful restoration <strong>and</strong><br />
preservation of the tooth. For these to be achieved,<br />
appropriate <strong>in</strong>strumentation, irrigation <strong>and</strong> decontam<strong>in</strong>ation,<br />
<strong>and</strong> root canal obturation must occur,<br />
as well as atta<strong>in</strong>ment of a coronal seal. There is clear<br />
evidence that apical periodontitis is a biofilm-<strong>in</strong>duced<br />
disease. 3 A biofilm is an aggregate of microorganisms<br />
<strong>in</strong> which cells adhere to each other <strong>and</strong>/or to a surface.<br />
These adherent cells are frequently embedded with<strong>in</strong><br />
a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substance.<br />
The presence of microorganisms embedded <strong>in</strong><br />
a biofilm <strong>and</strong> grow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the root canal system is a key<br />
factor for the development of periapical lesions. 4,5,6,7<br />
Additionally, the root canal system has a <strong>com</strong>plex<br />
anatomy that consists of arborizations, isthmuses, <strong>and</strong><br />
cul-de-sacs that harbor organic tissue <strong>and</strong> bacterial<br />
contam<strong>in</strong>ants. 8<br />
The challenge for successful endodontic treatment has<br />
always been the removal of vital <strong>and</strong> necrotic remnants of<br />
pulp tissues, debris generated dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>strumentation, the<br />
dent<strong>in</strong> smear layer, microorganisms, <strong>and</strong> microtox<strong>in</strong>s from<br />
the root canal system. 9<br />
Figure 1. Root canal <strong>com</strong>plex<br />
Courtesy of Dr. Charles J. Goodis. In: M<strong>and</strong>ibular Molar <strong>Endodontic</strong> Treatment.<br />
Even with the use of rotary <strong>in</strong>strumentation, the nickel-titanium<br />
<strong>in</strong>struments currently available only act on the central<br />
body of the root canal, result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a reliance on irrigation<br />
to clean beyond what may be achieved by these <strong>in</strong>struments.<br />
10 In addition, Enterococcus faecalis <strong>and</strong> Act<strong>in</strong>omyces<br />
israelii—which are both implicated <strong>in</strong> endodontic <strong>in</strong>fections<br />
as well as <strong>in</strong> endodontic failure—penetrate deep <strong>in</strong>to the<br />
dent<strong>in</strong>al tubules, mak<strong>in</strong>g their removal through mechanical<br />
<strong>in</strong>strumentation impossible. 11,12 F<strong>in</strong>ally, Enterococcus faecalis<br />
<strong>com</strong>monly expresses multiple drug resistance, 13,14,15 further<br />
<strong>com</strong>plicat<strong>in</strong>g treatment.<br />
Therefore, a suitable irrigant <strong>and</strong> irrigant delivery system<br />
are essential for efficient irrigation <strong>and</strong> the success of<br />
endodontic therapy. 16 Not only should root canal irrigants<br />
be effective for dissolution of the organic <strong>com</strong>ponent of the<br />
dental pulp, they must also effectively elim<strong>in</strong>ate bacterial<br />
contam<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>and</strong> remove the smear layer—the organic <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>organic layer that is created on the wall of the root canal<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>strumentation. The ability to deliver irrigants to the<br />
root canal term<strong>in</strong>us <strong>in</strong> a safe manner without caus<strong>in</strong>g harm to<br />
the patient is as important as the efficacy of those irrigants.<br />
Root Canal Irrigants<br />
Over the years, many irrigat<strong>in</strong>g agents have been used<br />
<strong>and</strong> tried <strong>in</strong> order to achieve tissue dissolution <strong>and</strong> bacte-<br />
2 www.<strong>in</strong>eedce.<strong>com</strong>
ial decontam<strong>in</strong>ation. The desired attributes of a root canal<br />
irrigant <strong>in</strong>clude the ability to dissolve necrotic <strong>and</strong> pulpal<br />
tissue, bacterial decontam<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>and</strong> a broad antimicrobial<br />
spectrum, the ability to enter deep <strong>in</strong>to the dent<strong>in</strong>al tubules,<br />
bio<strong>com</strong>patibility <strong>and</strong> lack of toxicity, the ability to dissolve<br />
<strong>in</strong>organic material <strong>and</strong> remove the smear layer, ease of use,<br />
<strong>and</strong> moderate cost.<br />
Table 1. Desirable root canal irrigant attributes<br />
Bacterial decontam<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
Broad spectrum antimicrobial activity<br />
Ability to enter deep <strong>in</strong>to dent<strong>in</strong>al tubules<br />
Ability to dissolve necrotic tissue<br />
Ability to dissolve <strong>in</strong>organic material<br />
<strong>Safety</strong><br />
Bio<strong>com</strong>patibility<br />
Lack of toxicity<br />
Ease of use<br />
Moderate cost<br />
Root canal irrigants currently <strong>in</strong> use <strong>in</strong>clude hydrogen<br />
peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, ethylenediam<strong>in</strong>etetraacetic<br />
acid (EDTA), alcohol, <strong>and</strong> chlorhexid<strong>in</strong>e gluconate.<br />
Chlorhexid<strong>in</strong>e gluconate offers a wide antimicrobial spectrum,<br />
the ma<strong>in</strong> bacteria associated with endodontic <strong>in</strong>fections<br />
(Enterococcus faecalis <strong>and</strong> Act<strong>in</strong>omyces israelii) are<br />
sensitive to it, <strong>and</strong> it is bio<strong>com</strong>patible with no tissue toxicity<br />
for the periapical or surround<strong>in</strong>g tissues. 17 Chlorhexid<strong>in</strong>e<br />
gluconate, however, lacks the ability to dissolve necrotic<br />
tissue, which limits its usefulness. Hydrogen peroxide as<br />
a canal irrigant helps to remove debris by the physical act<br />
of irrigation as well as through effervesc<strong>in</strong>g of the solution.<br />
However, while an effective antibacterial irrigant, hydrogen<br />
peroxide also does not dissolve necrotic <strong>in</strong>tracanal tissue,<br />
<strong>and</strong> exhibits toxicity to the surround<strong>in</strong>g tissues. Cases of<br />
tissue damage <strong>and</strong> facial nerve damage have been reported<br />
follow<strong>in</strong>g use of hydrogen peroxide as a root canal irrigant. 18<br />
Alcohol-based canal irrigants also have antimicrobial activity,<br />
but will not dissolve necrotic tissue.<br />
Table 2. Common root canal irrigants<br />
Chlorhexid<strong>in</strong>e gluconate<br />
Sodium hypochlorite<br />
Alcohol<br />
Hydrogen peroxide<br />
EDTA<br />
The irrigant that satisfies most of the requirements for<br />
a root canal irrigant is sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). 19,20<br />
It has the unique ability to dissolve necrotic tissue <strong>and</strong> the<br />
organic <strong>com</strong>ponents of the smear layer. 19,21,22 It also kills<br />
sessile endodontic pathogens organized <strong>in</strong> a biofilm. 23,24<br />
There is no other root canal irrigant that can meet all these<br />
requirements, even with the use of methods such as lower<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the pH, 25,26,27 <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g the temperature, 28,29,30,31,32 or<br />
add<strong>in</strong>g surfactants to <strong>in</strong>crease the wett<strong>in</strong>g efficacy of the irrigant.<br />
33,34 However, although sodium hypochlorite appears<br />
to be the most desirable s<strong>in</strong>gle endodontic irrigant, it cannot<br />
dissolve <strong>in</strong>organic dent<strong>in</strong> particles <strong>and</strong> thus cannot prevent<br />
the formation of a smear layer dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>strumentation. 35<br />
Calcifications h<strong>in</strong>der<strong>in</strong>g mechanical preparation are<br />
frequently encountered <strong>in</strong> the canal system, further <strong>com</strong>plicat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
treatment. Dem<strong>in</strong>eraliz<strong>in</strong>g agents such as EDTA<br />
have therefore been re<strong>com</strong>mended as adjuvants <strong>in</strong> root<br />
canal therapy. 20,36 Thus, <strong>in</strong> contemporary endodontic practice,<br />
dual irrigants such as sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)<br />
with EDTA are often used as <strong>in</strong>itial <strong>and</strong> f<strong>in</strong>al r<strong>in</strong>ses to circumvent<br />
the short<strong>com</strong><strong>in</strong>gs of a s<strong>in</strong>gle irrigant. 37,38,39 These<br />
irrigants must be brought <strong>in</strong>to direct contact with the entire<br />
canal wall surfaces for effective action, 20,37,40 particularly for<br />
the apical portions of small root canals. 9<br />
The <strong>com</strong>b<strong>in</strong>ation of sodium hypochlorite <strong>and</strong> EDTA<br />
has been used worldwide for antisepsis of root canal systems.<br />
The concentration of sodium hypochlorite used for<br />
root canal irrigation ranges from 2.5% to 6%, depend<strong>in</strong>g<br />
on the country <strong>and</strong> local regulations; it has been shown,<br />
however, that tissue hydrolyzation is greater at the higher<br />
end of this range, as demonstrated <strong>in</strong> a study by H<strong>and</strong> et<br />
al <strong>com</strong>par<strong>in</strong>g 2.5% <strong>and</strong> 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. The<br />
higher concentration may also favor superior microbial<br />
out<strong>com</strong>es. 41 NaOCl has a broad antimicrobial spectrum, 20<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g but not limited to Enterococcus faecalis. Sodium<br />
hypochlorite is also second to none among irrigat<strong>in</strong>g agents<br />
that dissolve organic matter. EDTA is a chelat<strong>in</strong>g agent that<br />
aids <strong>in</strong> smear layer removal <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>creases dent<strong>in</strong> permeability,<br />
42,43 which will allow further irrigation with NaOCl<br />
to penetrate deep <strong>in</strong>to the dent<strong>in</strong>al tubules. 44<br />
The <strong>com</strong>b<strong>in</strong>ation of sodium hypochlorite <strong>and</strong> EDTA has<br />
been used worldwide for antisepsis of root canal systems.<br />
General <strong>Safety</strong> Precautions<br />
Regardless of which irrigant <strong>and</strong> irrigation system is employed,<br />
<strong>and</strong> particularly if an irrigant with tissue toxicity is<br />
used, there are several general precautions that must be followed.<br />
A rubber dam must be used <strong>and</strong> a good seal obta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
to ensure that no irrigant can spill from the pulp chamber<br />
<strong>in</strong>to the oral cavity. If deep caries or a fracture is present<br />
adjacent to the rubber dam on the tooth be<strong>in</strong>g isolated, a<br />
temporary seal<strong>in</strong>g material must be used prior to perform<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the procedure to ensure a good rubber dam seal. It is also<br />
important to protect the patient’s eyes with safety glasses<br />
<strong>and</strong> protect cloth<strong>in</strong>g from irrigant splatter or spill.<br />
www.<strong>in</strong>eedce.<strong>com</strong> 3
It is very important to note that while sodium hypochlorite<br />
has unique properties that satisfy most requirements for<br />
a root canal irrigant, it also exhibits tissue toxicity that can result<br />
<strong>in</strong> damage to the adjacent tissues, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g nerve damage<br />
should sodium hypochlorite <strong>in</strong>cidents occur dur<strong>in</strong>g canal<br />
irrigation. Furthermore, Salzgeber reported <strong>in</strong> the 1970s that<br />
apical extrusion of an endodontic irrigant rout<strong>in</strong>ely occurred<br />
<strong>in</strong> vivo; 45 this highlights the importance of us<strong>in</strong>g devices <strong>and</strong><br />
techniques that m<strong>in</strong>imize or prevent this. Sodium hypochlorite<br />
<strong>in</strong>cidents are further discussed later <strong>in</strong> this article.<br />
Regardless of which irrigant <strong>and</strong> irrigation system is used,<br />
a rubber dam must be used <strong>and</strong> a good seal obta<strong>in</strong>ed.<br />
Irrigant Delivery Systems<br />
Root canal irrigation systems can be divided <strong>in</strong>to two categories:<br />
manual agitation techniques <strong>and</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e-assisted agitation<br />
techniques. 9 Manual irrigation <strong>in</strong>cludes positive pressure<br />
irrigation, which is <strong>com</strong>monly performed with a syr<strong>in</strong>ge <strong>and</strong><br />
a side-vented needle. Mach<strong>in</strong>e-assisted irrigation techniques<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude sonics <strong>and</strong> ultrasonics, as well as newer systems such<br />
as the EndoVac® (Discus Dental, Culver City, CA) , which<br />
delivers apical negative pressure (ANP) irrigation, 46 the plastic<br />
rotary F® File (Plastic Endo, L<strong>in</strong>colnshire, IL), 47,48 the<br />
Vibr<strong>in</strong>ge® (Vibr<strong>in</strong>ge BV, Amsterdam, The Netherl<strong>and</strong>s), 49<br />
the R<strong>in</strong>sEndo® (Air Techniques Inc., NY), 9 <strong>and</strong> the Endo-<br />
Activator® (Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK). 9<br />
Two important factors that should be considered dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the process of irrigation are whether the irrigation system<br />
can deliver the irrigant to the whole extent of the root canal<br />
system, particularly at the apical third, <strong>and</strong> whether the irrigant<br />
is capable of debrid<strong>in</strong>g areas that could not be reached<br />
with mechanical <strong>in</strong>strumentation, such as lateral canals <strong>and</strong><br />
isthmi. When evaluat<strong>in</strong>g irrigation of the apical third, the<br />
phenomenon of apical vapor lock should be considered. 50,51,52<br />
Apical Vapor Lock<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce roots are surrounded by the periodontium, <strong>and</strong> unless<br />
the root canal foramen is open, the root canal behaves like<br />
a close-ended channel. This produces an apical vapor lock<br />
effect that resists displacement dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>strumentation <strong>and</strong><br />
f<strong>in</strong>al irrigation, thus prevent<strong>in</strong>g the flow of irrigant <strong>in</strong>to<br />
the apical region <strong>and</strong> adequate debridement of the canal<br />
system. 53,54 Apical vapor lock also results <strong>in</strong> gas entrapment<br />
at the apical third. 9 Dur<strong>in</strong>g irrigation, sodium hypochlorite<br />
reacts with organic tissue <strong>in</strong> the root canal system, <strong>and</strong><br />
the result<strong>in</strong>g hydrolysis liberates abundant quantities of<br />
ammonia <strong>and</strong> carbon dioxide. 55 This gaseous mixture is<br />
trapped <strong>in</strong> the apical region <strong>and</strong> quickly forms a column<br />
of gas <strong>in</strong>to which further fluid penetration is impossible.<br />
Extension of <strong>in</strong>struments <strong>in</strong>to this vapor lock does not reduce<br />
or remove the gas bubble, 56 just as it does not enable<br />
adequate flow of irrigant.<br />
Apical vapor lock prevents the flow of irrigant <strong>in</strong>to<br />
the apical region of roots <strong>and</strong> also results <strong>in</strong> gas<br />
entrapment at the apical third.<br />
The phenomenon of apical vapor lock has been confirmed<br />
<strong>in</strong> studies where roots were embedded <strong>in</strong> a polyv<strong>in</strong>ylsiloxane<br />
(PVS) impression material to restrict fluid flow through the<br />
apical foramen, simulat<strong>in</strong>g a close-ended channel. The result<br />
<strong>in</strong> these studies was <strong>in</strong><strong>com</strong>plete debridement of the apical<br />
part of the canal walls with the use of a positive pressure<br />
syr<strong>in</strong>ge delivery technique. 57,58,59,60 Micro-CT scann<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong><br />
histological tests conducted by Tay et al have also confirmed<br />
the presence of apical vapor lock. 60 In fact, studies conducted<br />
without ensur<strong>in</strong>g a close-ended channel cannot be regarded<br />
as conclusive on the efficacy of irrigants <strong>and</strong> the irrigant system.<br />
61,62,63 The apical vapor lock may also expla<strong>in</strong> why, <strong>in</strong> a<br />
number of studies, <strong>in</strong>vestigators were unable to demonstrate<br />
a clean apical third <strong>in</strong> sealed root canals. 59,64,65,66<br />
Figure 2a. Close-ended channel Figure 2b. Open-ended channel<br />
Courtesy of Dr. Frankl<strong>in</strong> Tay<br />
In a paper published by Chow <strong>in</strong> 1983, based on research<br />
he determ<strong>in</strong>ed that traditional positive pressure irrigation<br />
had virtually no effect apical to the orifice of the irrigation<br />
needle <strong>in</strong> a closed root canal system. 67 Fluid exchange <strong>and</strong><br />
debris displacement were m<strong>in</strong>imal. Equally important to his<br />
primary f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs, Chow set forth an <strong>in</strong>fallible paradigm for<br />
endodontic irrigation: “For the solution to be mechanically<br />
effective <strong>in</strong> remov<strong>in</strong>g all the particles, it has to: (a) reach the<br />
apex; (b) create a current (force); <strong>and</strong> (c) carry the particles<br />
away.” 67 The apical vapor lock <strong>and</strong> consideration for the patient’s<br />
safety have always prevented the thorough clean<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
the apical 3 mm. It is critically important to determ<strong>in</strong>e which<br />
irrigation system will effectively irrigate the apical third as<br />
well as isthmi <strong>and</strong> lateral canals, 16 <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong> a safe manner that<br />
prevents the extrusion of irrigant.<br />
An effective irrigant must reach the apex, create a current<br />
<strong>and</strong> remove particles.<br />
4 www.<strong>in</strong>eedce.<strong>com</strong>
Manual Agitation Techniques<br />
By far the most <strong>com</strong>mon <strong>and</strong> conventional set of irrigation<br />
techniques, manual irrigation <strong>in</strong>volves dispens<strong>in</strong>g of an irrigant<br />
<strong>in</strong>to a canal through needles/cannulae of variable<br />
gauges, either passively or with agitation by mov<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
needle up <strong>and</strong> down the canal space without b<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g it on<br />
the canal walls. This allows good control of needle depth <strong>and</strong><br />
the volume of irrigant that is flushed through the canal. 9,63<br />
However, the closer the needle tip is positioned to the apical<br />
tissue, the greater the chance of apical extrusion of the irrigant.<br />
67,68 This must be avoided; if sodium hypochlorite were<br />
to extrude past the apex there is a chance that a catastrophic<br />
accident could occur. 69<br />
Manual-Dynamic Irrigation<br />
Manual dynamic irrigation <strong>in</strong>volves gently mov<strong>in</strong>g a well-fitt<strong>in</strong>g<br />
gutta-percha master cone up <strong>and</strong> down <strong>in</strong> short 2 mm to<br />
3 mm strokes with<strong>in</strong> an <strong>in</strong>strumented canal, thereby produc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a hydrodynamic effect <strong>and</strong> significant irrigant exchange. 70<br />
Recent studies have shown that this irrigation technique is<br />
significantly more effective than an automated-dynamic irrigation<br />
system <strong>and</strong> static irrigation. 9,71,72<br />
Figure 3. Manual Dynamic Max-I-Probe®<br />
Mach<strong>in</strong>e-Assisted Agitation Systems<br />
Sonic Irrigation<br />
Sonic activation has been shown to be an effective method<br />
for dis<strong>in</strong>fect<strong>in</strong>g root canals, operat<strong>in</strong>g at frequencies of 1-6<br />
kHz. 73,74 There are several sonic irrigation devices on the<br />
market. The Vibr<strong>in</strong>ge allows delivery <strong>and</strong> sonic activation<br />
of the irrigat<strong>in</strong>g solution <strong>in</strong> one step. It employs a 2-piece<br />
syr<strong>in</strong>ge with a rechargeable battery. The irrigant is sonically<br />
activated, as is the needle that attaches to the syr<strong>in</strong>ge.<br />
The EndoActivator System is a more recently <strong>in</strong>troduced<br />
sonically driven canal irrigation system. 9,75 It consists of a<br />
portable h<strong>and</strong>piece <strong>and</strong> three types of disposable polymer<br />
tips of different sizes. The EndoActivator has been reported<br />
to effectively clean debris from lateral canals, remove the<br />
smear layer, <strong>and</strong> dislodge clumps of biofilm with<strong>in</strong> the<br />
curved canals of molar teeth. 9<br />
Figure 4. Sonic irrigation systems<br />
Ultrasonics<br />
Ultrasonic energy produces higher frequencies than sonic<br />
energy but low amplitudes, oscillat<strong>in</strong>g at frequencies of 25-<br />
30 kHz. 9,76 Two types of ultrasonic irrigation are available<br />
for use. The first type is simultaneous ultrasonic <strong>in</strong>strumentation<br />
<strong>and</strong> irrigation (UI), <strong>and</strong> the second type is referred<br />
to as passive ultrasonic irrigation operat<strong>in</strong>g without simultaneous<br />
irrigation (PUI). The literature <strong>in</strong>dicates that it is<br />
more advantageous to apply ultrasonics after <strong>com</strong>pletion of<br />
canal preparation rather than as an alternative to conventional<br />
<strong>in</strong>strumentation. 9,20,77 PUI irrigation allows energy<br />
to be transmitted from an oscillat<strong>in</strong>g file or smooth wire to<br />
the irrigant <strong>in</strong> the root canal by means of ultrasonic waves. 9<br />
There is consensus that PUI is more effective than syr<strong>in</strong>ge<br />
. needle irrigation <strong>in</strong> remov<strong>in</strong>g pulpal tissue remnants <strong>and</strong><br />
dent<strong>in</strong> debris. 78,79,80 This may be due to the much higher<br />
velocity <strong>and</strong> volume of irrigant flow that are created <strong>in</strong> the<br />
canal dur<strong>in</strong>g ultrasonic irrigation. 9,81 PUI has been shown<br />
to remove the smear layer; there is a large body of evidence<br />
with different concentrations of NaOCl. 9,80,82,83,84 In addition,<br />
numerous <strong>in</strong>vestigations have demonstrated that the<br />
use of PUI after h<strong>and</strong> or rotary <strong>in</strong>strumentation results <strong>in</strong><br />
a significant reduction of the number of bacteria, 9,85,86,87 or<br />
achieves significantly better results than syr<strong>in</strong>ge needle irrigation.<br />
9,84,88,89<br />
Studies have demonstrated that effective delivery of irrigants<br />
to the apical third can be enhanced by us<strong>in</strong>g ultrasonic<br />
<strong>and</strong> sonic devices. 79,81,90,91,92 However, some recent studies<br />
have shown that once a sonic or ultrasonically activated tip<br />
leaves the irrigant <strong>and</strong> enters the apical vapor lock, acoustic<br />
microstream<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong>/or cavitation be<strong>com</strong>es physically<br />
impossible, 93 which is not the case with the apical negative<br />
pressure irrigation technique. 46,94<br />
Consider the erroneous idea that acoustic microstream<strong>in</strong>g<br />
or cavitation that occurs dur<strong>in</strong>g PUI can clean any part<br />
of the apical portion filled with gas (apical vapor lock).<br />
Acoustic microstream<strong>in</strong>g is def<strong>in</strong>ed as the movement of fluids<br />
along cell membranes, which occurs as a result of the ultrasound<br />
energy creat<strong>in</strong>g mechanical pressure changes with<strong>in</strong><br />
the tissue. Cavitation is def<strong>in</strong>ed as the formation <strong>and</strong> collapse<br />
of gas- <strong>and</strong> vapor-filled bubbles or cavities <strong>in</strong> a fluid.<br />
www.<strong>in</strong>eedce.<strong>com</strong> 5
This process (cavitation) results from the creation <strong>and</strong> collapse<br />
of microbubbles <strong>in</strong> the liquid. Acoustic microstream<strong>in</strong>g<br />
or cavitation is only possible <strong>in</strong> fluids/liquids, not <strong>in</strong><br />
gases. Therefore, as previously mentioned, it is physically<br />
impossible for acoustic microstream<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong>/or cavitation<br />
to disrupt the apical vapor lock.. 56<br />
Other studies have shown that sonic or ultrasonic activation<br />
might allow a better removal of pulpal tissue remnants<br />
<strong>and</strong> debris from isthmi <strong>and</strong> f<strong>in</strong>s. 79,81 Although ultrasonics<br />
can effectively clean debris <strong>and</strong> bacteria from the root canal<br />
system, they still have the drawback of not be<strong>in</strong>g able to<br />
effectively get through the apical vapor lock <strong>in</strong> the apical 3<br />
mm of the canal.<br />
Ultrasonics can effectively clean debris <strong>and</strong> bacteria from<br />
the root canal system, but cannot effectively get through<br />
the apical vapor lock.<br />
The Plastic Rotary F File<br />
Although sonic or ultrasonic <strong>in</strong>strumentation is more effective<br />
<strong>in</strong> remov<strong>in</strong>g residual canal debris than rotary endodontic<br />
files 95 <strong>and</strong> irrigation solutions are often unable to remove<br />
this dur<strong>in</strong>g endodontic treatment, many cl<strong>in</strong>icians still do<br />
not <strong>in</strong>corporate it <strong>in</strong> their endodontic <strong>in</strong>strument armamentarium.<br />
The <strong>com</strong>mon reasons given for not us<strong>in</strong>g sonic or<br />
ultrasonic fil<strong>in</strong>g are that it can be time-consum<strong>in</strong>g to set up,<br />
an unwill<strong>in</strong>gness to <strong>in</strong>cur the cost of the equipment, <strong>and</strong> lack<br />
of awareness of the benefits of this f<strong>in</strong>al <strong>in</strong>strumentation step<br />
<strong>in</strong> endodontic treatment.<br />
It is for these reasons that an endodontic polymer-based<br />
rotary f<strong>in</strong>ish<strong>in</strong>g file was developed. This new, s<strong>in</strong>gle-use,<br />
plastic rotary file has a unique file design with a diamond<br />
abrasive embedded <strong>in</strong>to a nontoxic polymer. The F File will<br />
remove dent<strong>in</strong>al wall debris <strong>and</strong> agitate the sodium hypochlorite<br />
without further enlarg<strong>in</strong>g the canal.<br />
Pressure Alternation Devices<br />
R<strong>in</strong>sEndo irrigates the canal by us<strong>in</strong>g pressure-suction<br />
technology. Its <strong>com</strong>ponents are a h<strong>and</strong>piece, a cannula with<br />
a 7 mm exit aperture, <strong>and</strong> a syr<strong>in</strong>ge carry<strong>in</strong>g irrigant. The<br />
h<strong>and</strong>piece is powered by a dental air <strong>com</strong>pressor <strong>and</strong> has an<br />
irrigation speed of 6.2 ml/m<strong>in</strong>. Research has shown that it<br />
has promis<strong>in</strong>g results <strong>in</strong> clean<strong>in</strong>g the root canal system, but<br />
more research is required to provide scientific evidence for<br />
its efficacy. Periapical extrusion of irrigant has been reported<br />
with this device. 96,97<br />
Figure 5. R<strong>in</strong>sEndo<br />
The EndoVac Apical Negative Pressure System<br />
The EndoVac apical negative pressure irrigation system has<br />
three <strong>com</strong>ponents: The Master Delivery Tip, MacroCannula<br />
<strong>and</strong> MicroCannula. The Master Delivery Tip simultaneously<br />
delivers <strong>and</strong> evacuates the irrigant. The MacroCannula is used<br />
to suction irrigant from the chamber to the coronal <strong>and</strong> middle<br />
segments of the canal. The MacroCannula or MicroCannula<br />
is connected via tub<strong>in</strong>g to the high-speed suction of a dental<br />
unit. The Master Delivery Tip is connected to a syr<strong>in</strong>ge of irrigant<br />
<strong>and</strong> the evacuation hood is connected via tub<strong>in</strong>g to the<br />
high-speed suction of a dental unit. 56 The plastic MacroCannula<br />
has an ISO size 0.55 mm diameter open end with a .02<br />
taper <strong>and</strong> is attached to a H<strong>and</strong>piece for gross, <strong>in</strong>itial flush<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of the coronal <strong>and</strong> mid-length parts of the root canal. The<br />
MicroCannula conta<strong>in</strong>s 12 microscopic holes <strong>and</strong> is capable of<br />
evacuat<strong>in</strong>g debris to full work<strong>in</strong>g length. 97 The ISO size 0.32<br />
mm diameter sta<strong>in</strong>less steel MicroCannula has four sets of<br />
three laser-cut, laterally positioned, offset holes adjacent to its<br />
closed end, 100 microns <strong>in</strong> diameter <strong>and</strong> spaced 100 microns<br />
apart. This is attached to a F<strong>in</strong>gerpiece for irrigation of the apical<br />
part of the canal when it is positioned at the work<strong>in</strong>g length.<br />
The MicroCannula can be used <strong>in</strong> canals that are enlarged<br />
with endodontic files to ISO size #35/.04 or larger.<br />
Figure 6a. EndoVac Multi-Port Adapter<br />
Figure 6b. EndoVac <strong>in</strong>struments<br />
Master Delivery Tip<br />
MacroCannula<br />
MicroCannula with vent<strong>in</strong>g<br />
6 www.<strong>in</strong>eedce.<strong>com</strong>
Dur<strong>in</strong>g irrigation, the Master Delivery Tip delivers irrigant<br />
to the pulp chamber <strong>and</strong> siphons off the excess irrigant to<br />
prevent overflow. Both the MacroCannula <strong>and</strong> MicroCannula<br />
exert negative pressure that pulls irrigant from its fresh<br />
supply <strong>in</strong> the chamber, down the canal to the tip of the cannula,<br />
<strong>in</strong>to the cannula, <strong>and</strong> out through the suction hose.<br />
Thus, a constant flow of fresh irrigant is be<strong>in</strong>g delivered by<br />
negative pressure to work<strong>in</strong>g length. A recent study showed<br />
that the volume of irrigant delivered was significantly higher<br />
than the volume delivered by conventional syr<strong>in</strong>ge needle<br />
irrigation dur<strong>in</strong>g the same time period, 46 <strong>and</strong> resulted <strong>in</strong><br />
significantly more debris removal at 1 mm from the work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
length than did needle irrigation. Dur<strong>in</strong>g conventional root<br />
canal irrigation, cl<strong>in</strong>icians must be careful when determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
how far an irrigation needle is placed <strong>in</strong>to the canal.<br />
Re<strong>com</strong>mendations for avoid<strong>in</strong>g NaOCl <strong>in</strong>cidents <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
not b<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g the needle <strong>in</strong> the canal, not plac<strong>in</strong>g the needle<br />
close to work<strong>in</strong>g length, <strong>and</strong> us<strong>in</strong>g a gentle flow rate when<br />
us<strong>in</strong>g positive pressure irrigation. 98 With the EndoVac, <strong>in</strong><br />
contrast, irrigant is pulled <strong>in</strong>to the canal at work<strong>in</strong>g length<br />
<strong>and</strong> removed by negative pressure. Apical negative pressure<br />
has been shown to enable irrigants to reach the apical<br />
third <strong>and</strong> help over<strong>com</strong>e the issue of apical vapor lock. 46,99<br />
In addition, with respect to isthmus clean<strong>in</strong>g, although it is<br />
not possible to reach <strong>and</strong> clean the isthmus area with <strong>in</strong>struments,<br />
it is not impossible to reach <strong>and</strong> totally clean these<br />
areas with NaOCl when the method of irrigation is safe<br />
<strong>and</strong> efficacious. In studies <strong>com</strong>par<strong>in</strong>g the EndoActivator, 100<br />
passive ultrasonic, 100 the F File, 100 the Manual Dynamic<br />
Max-I-Probe, 100,101 the Pressure Ultrasonic, 95 <strong>and</strong> the EndoVac,<br />
101 only the EndoVac was capable of clean<strong>in</strong>g 100% of<br />
the isthmus area.<br />
The EndoVac uses negative pressure, pulls irrigant<br />
<strong>in</strong>to the canal to work<strong>in</strong>g length <strong>and</strong><br />
removes it with suction.<br />
Apart from be<strong>in</strong>g able to avoid air entrapment, the EndoVac<br />
system is also advantageous <strong>in</strong> its ability to safely deliver<br />
irrigants to work<strong>in</strong>g length without caus<strong>in</strong>g their undue<br />
extrusion <strong>in</strong>to the periapex, 46,97 thereby avoid<strong>in</strong>g sodium<br />
hypochlorite <strong>in</strong>cidents. It is important to note that it is<br />
possible to create positive pressure <strong>in</strong> the pulp canal if the<br />
Master Delivery Tip is misused, which would create the<br />
risk of a sodium hypochlorite <strong>in</strong>cident. The manufacturer’s<br />
<strong>in</strong>structions must be followed for correct use of the Master<br />
Delivery Tip.<br />
Sodium Hypochlorite Incidents<br />
Although a devastat<strong>in</strong>g endodontic sodium hypochlorite (Na-<br />
OCl) <strong>in</strong>cident is a rare event, 102 the cytotoxic effects of sodium<br />
hypochlorite on vital tissue have been well established. 103 The<br />
associated sequelae of NaOCl extrusion have been reported to<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude life-threaten<strong>in</strong>g airway obstructions, 104 facial disfig-<br />
urement requir<strong>in</strong>g multiple corrective surgical procedures, 105<br />
permanent paresthesia with loss of facial muscle control, 69<br />
<strong>and</strong>—the least significant consequence—tooth loss. 106<br />
Table 2. Potential sequelae of sodium hypochlorite extrusion through the apex<br />
Ecchymosis<br />
Widespread tissue trauma<br />
Tooth loss<br />
Facial disfigurement<br />
Permanent paresthesia<br />
Loss of facial muscle control<br />
Irreversible muscle atrophy<br />
Life-threaten<strong>in</strong>g airway obstruction<br />
Although the exact etiology of the NaOCl <strong>in</strong>cident is<br />
still uncerta<strong>in</strong>, based on the evidence from actual <strong>in</strong>cidents<br />
<strong>and</strong> the location of the associated tissue trauma, it would<br />
appear that an <strong>in</strong>travenous <strong>in</strong>jection may be the cause. The<br />
patient shown <strong>in</strong> Figure 7 demonstrates a widespread area<br />
of tissue trauma that is <strong>in</strong> contrast to the characteristics of<br />
sodium hypochlorite <strong>in</strong>cident trauma reported by Pashley.<br />
103,107 This extensive trauma, <strong>and</strong> particularly <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the pattern of ecchymosis around the eye, could only occur<br />
if the sodium hypochlorite were <strong>in</strong>troduced <strong>in</strong>travenously to<br />
a ve<strong>in</strong> close to the root apex through which extrusion of the<br />
irrigant occurred, <strong>and</strong> the irrigant then found its way <strong>in</strong>to<br />
the venous <strong>com</strong>plex. This would require positive pressure<br />
apically that exceeded venous pressure (10 mg of Hg). In<br />
one <strong>in</strong> vitro study, which used a positive pressure needle irrigation<br />
technique to realistically mimic cl<strong>in</strong>ical conditions<br />
<strong>and</strong> techniques, the apical pressure generated was found to<br />
be 8 times higher than the normal venous pressure. 108<br />
Figure 7. Widespread tissue trauma<br />
www.<strong>in</strong>eedce.<strong>com</strong> 7
Figure 8. Irreversible musculature atrophy<br />
This does not imply that NaOCl can or should be excluded<br />
as an endodontic irrigant; <strong>in</strong> fact, its use is critical, as has been<br />
discussed <strong>in</strong> this article. What this does imply is that it must<br />
be safely delivered.<br />
<strong>Safety</strong> First<br />
To <strong>com</strong>pare the safety of six current <strong>in</strong>tracanal irrigation delivery<br />
devices, an <strong>in</strong> vitro test was conducted us<strong>in</strong>g the worstcase<br />
scenario of apical extrusion, with neutral atmospheric<br />
pressure <strong>and</strong> an open apex. 97 The study concluded that the<br />
EndoVac did not extrude irrigant after deep <strong>in</strong>tracanal delivery<br />
<strong>and</strong> suction<strong>in</strong>g of the irrigant from the chamber to full<br />
work<strong>in</strong>g length, whereas other devices did. The EndoActivator<br />
extruded only a very small volume of irrigant, the cl<strong>in</strong>ical<br />
significance of which is not known.<br />
Figure 9. Comparative extrusion of irrigant us<strong>in</strong>g irrigation devices<br />
100<br />
Extrusion of irrigant (%)<br />
80<br />
60<br />
40<br />
20<br />
0<br />
MicroCannula<br />
MacroCannula<br />
EndoActivator<br />
Max-I-Probe<br />
Positive Pressure<br />
Ultrasonic<br />
R<strong>in</strong>sEndo<br />
Mitchell <strong>and</strong> Baumgartner Irrigation tested system irrigant used(NaOCl)<br />
extrusion<br />
from a root canal sealed with a permeable agarose gel. 109 Significantly<br />
less extrusion occurred us<strong>in</strong>g the EndoVac system<br />
<strong>com</strong>pared with positive pressure needle irrigation. A well-controlled<br />
study by Gondim et al found that patients experienced<br />
less postoperative pa<strong>in</strong>, measured objectively <strong>and</strong> subjectively,<br />
when apical negative pressure irrigation was performed (EndoVac)<br />
rather than apical positive pressure irrigation. 110<br />
The use of apical negative pressure needle irrigation<br />
results <strong>in</strong> safer delivery of sodium hypochlorite, <strong>and</strong> less<br />
post-operative pa<strong>in</strong>.<br />
<strong>Efficacy</strong><br />
In vitro <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong> vivo studies have demonstrated greater removal<br />
of debris from the apical walls <strong>and</strong> a statistically cleaner result<br />
us<strong>in</strong>g apical negative pressure irrigation <strong>in</strong> closed root canal<br />
systems with sealed apices. In an <strong>in</strong> vivo study of 22 teeth by<br />
Siu <strong>and</strong> Baumgartner, less debris rema<strong>in</strong>ed at 1 mm from<br />
work<strong>in</strong>g length us<strong>in</strong>g apical negative pressure <strong>com</strong>pared to use<br />
of traditional needle irrigation, while Sh<strong>in</strong> et al found <strong>in</strong> an <strong>in</strong><br />
vitro study of 69 teeth <strong>com</strong>par<strong>in</strong>g traditional needle irrigation<br />
with apical negative pressure that these methods both resulted<br />
<strong>in</strong> clean root canals but that apical negative pressure resulted<br />
<strong>in</strong> less debris rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g at 1.5 mm <strong>and</strong> 3.5 mm from work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
length. 46, 99,111 When <strong>com</strong>par<strong>in</strong>g root canal debridement us<strong>in</strong>g<br />
manual dynamic agitation or the EndoVac for f<strong>in</strong>al irrigation<br />
<strong>in</strong> a closed system <strong>and</strong> an open system, it was found that the<br />
presence of a sealed apical foramen adversely affected debridement<br />
efficacy when manual dynamic agitation was used, but did<br />
not adversely affect results when the EndoVac was used. Apical<br />
negative pressure irrigation is an effective method to over<strong>com</strong>e<br />
the fluid dynamic challenges <strong>in</strong>herent <strong>in</strong> closed canal systems. 112<br />
Apical negative pressure irrigation results <strong>in</strong> greater<br />
removal of debris <strong>and</strong> a cleaner result at work<strong>in</strong>g length.<br />
Microbial Control<br />
Hockett et al tested the ability of apical negative pressure to<br />
remove a thick biofilm of Enterococcus faecalis, f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g that<br />
these specimens rendered negative cultures obta<strong>in</strong>ed with<strong>in</strong><br />
48 hours while those irrigated us<strong>in</strong>g traditional positivepressure<br />
irrigation were positive at 48 hours. 94 Figure 10<br />
shows a scann<strong>in</strong>g electron microscope image of decontam<strong>in</strong>ated<br />
dent<strong>in</strong>al tubules after use of apical negative pressure<br />
irrigation with sodium hypochlorite <strong>and</strong> use of EDTA.<br />
Figure 10. SEM of decontam<strong>in</strong>ated dent<strong>in</strong>al tubules<br />
Courtesy of Dr. Jeffrey L. Hockett <strong>and</strong> Dr. Nestor Cohenca<br />
8 www.<strong>in</strong>eedce.<strong>com</strong>
One study found apical negative pressure irrigation<br />
resulted <strong>in</strong> similar bacterial reductions to use of apical positive<br />
pressure irrigation <strong>and</strong> a triple antibiotic <strong>in</strong> immature<br />
teeth. 113 In a study <strong>com</strong>par<strong>in</strong>g the use of apical positive<br />
pressure irrigation <strong>and</strong> a triple antibiotic that has been<br />
utilized for pulpal regeneration/revascularization <strong>in</strong> teeth<br />
with <strong>in</strong><strong>com</strong>pletely formed apices (Trimix=Cipro, M<strong>in</strong>oc<strong>in</strong>,<br />
Flagyl) versus use of apical negative pressure irrigation with<br />
sodium hypochlorite, it was found that the results were statistically<br />
equivalent for m<strong>in</strong>eralized tissue formation <strong>and</strong> the<br />
repair process. 114 Us<strong>in</strong>g negative apical pressure <strong>and</strong> sodium<br />
hypochlorite also avoids the risk of drug resistance, tooth<br />
discoloration, <strong>and</strong> allergic reactions. 115,116<br />
Conclusion<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce the dawn of contemporary endodontics, dentists have<br />
been syr<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g sodium hypochlorite <strong>in</strong>to the root canal<br />
space <strong>and</strong> then proceed<strong>in</strong>g to place endodontic <strong>in</strong>struments<br />
down the canal <strong>in</strong> the belief that they were carry<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
irrigant to the apical term<strong>in</strong>ation. Biological, SEM, light<br />
microscopy, <strong>and</strong> other studies have proven this belief to be<br />
<strong>in</strong> error. Sodium hypochlorite reacts with organic material<br />
<strong>in</strong> the root canal <strong>and</strong> quickly forms micro gas bubbles at<br />
the apical term<strong>in</strong>ation that coalesce <strong>in</strong>to a s<strong>in</strong>gle large apical<br />
vapor bubble with subsequent <strong>in</strong>strumentation. S<strong>in</strong>ce the<br />
apical vapor lock cannot be displaced via mechanical means,<br />
it prevents further sodium hypochlorite flow <strong>in</strong>to the apical<br />
area. Additionally, acoustic microstream<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> cavitation<br />
are limited to liquids <strong>and</strong> have no effect <strong>in</strong>side the vapor<br />
lock. The only method yet discovered to elim<strong>in</strong>ate the apical<br />
vapor lock is to evacuate it via apical negative pressure. This<br />
method has also been proven to be safe because it always<br />
draws irrigants to the source via suction—down the canal<br />
<strong>and</strong> simultaneously away from the apical tissue <strong>in</strong> abundant<br />
quantities. 117 When the proper irrigat<strong>in</strong>g agents are<br />
delivered safely to the full extent of the root canal term<strong>in</strong>us,<br />
thereby remov<strong>in</strong>g 100% of organic tissue <strong>and</strong> 100% of the<br />
microbial contam<strong>in</strong>ants, success <strong>in</strong> endodontic treatment<br />
may be taken to levels never seen before.<br />
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13 Gomes BP, P<strong>in</strong>heiro ET, Gade-Neto CR, et al.<br />
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Invest Allergol Cl<strong>in</strong> Immunol. 1999;9:403-4.<br />
117 Schoeffel GJ. The EndoVac method of endodontic irrigation:<br />
Part 4, Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Use. Dent Today. 2009;28(6):64, 66-67.<br />
Author Profile<br />
Gary Glassman DDS, FRCD(C)<br />
Dr. Gary Glassman graduated from<br />
the University of Toronto School<br />
of Dentistry <strong>in</strong> 1984 <strong>and</strong> graduated<br />
from the Endodontology Program<br />
at Temple University <strong>in</strong> 1987 where<br />
he received the Louis I. Grossman<br />
Study Club Award for academic<br />
<strong>and</strong> cl<strong>in</strong>ical proficiency <strong>in</strong> <strong>Endodontic</strong>s.<br />
The author of numerous publications, Dr. Glassman<br />
lectures globally on endodontics <strong>and</strong> is on staff at the<br />
University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry <strong>in</strong> the graduate<br />
department of endodontics. Gary is a Fellow of the Royal<br />
College of Dentists of Canada, <strong>and</strong> the endodontic editor<br />
for Oral Health dental journal. He ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>s a private practice,<br />
<strong>Endodontic</strong> Specialists, <strong>in</strong> Toronto, Ontario, Canada.<br />
He can be reached through his website www.rootcanals.ca.<br />
Disclaimer<br />
The author of this course has no <strong>com</strong>mercial ties with the<br />
sponsors or the providers of the unrestricted educational<br />
grant for this course.<br />
Reader Feedback<br />
We encourage your <strong>com</strong>ments on this or any PennWell course.<br />
For your convenience, an onl<strong>in</strong>e feedback form is available at<br />
www.<strong>in</strong>eedce.<strong>com</strong>.<br />
12 www.<strong>in</strong>eedce.<strong>com</strong>
Onl<strong>in</strong>e Completion<br />
Use this page to review the questions <strong>and</strong> answers. Return to www.<strong>in</strong>eedce.<strong>com</strong> <strong>and</strong> sign <strong>in</strong>. If you have not previously purchased the program select it from the “Onl<strong>in</strong>e Courses” list<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> <strong>com</strong>plete the<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e purchase. Once purchased the exam will be added to your Archives page where a Take Exam l<strong>in</strong>k will be provided. Click on the “Take Exam” l<strong>in</strong>k, <strong>com</strong>plete all the program questions <strong>and</strong> submit your<br />
answers. An immediate grade report will be provided <strong>and</strong> upon receiv<strong>in</strong>g a pass<strong>in</strong>g grade your “Verification Form” will be provided immediately for view<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong>/or pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g. Verification Forms can be viewed<br />
<strong>and</strong>/or pr<strong>in</strong>ted anytime <strong>in</strong> the future by return<strong>in</strong>g to the site, sign <strong>in</strong> <strong>and</strong> return to your Archives Page.<br />
1. <strong>Endodontic</strong> success rates of up to _______<br />
are be<strong>in</strong>g achieved.<br />
a. 68%<br />
b. 78%<br />
c. 88%<br />
d. 98%<br />
2. There is clear evidence that apical<br />
periodontitis is a _______ disease.<br />
a. fungal<br />
b. viral<br />
c. biofilm-<strong>in</strong>duced<br />
d. all of the above<br />
3. The root canal system conta<strong>in</strong>s _______.<br />
a. cul-de-sacs<br />
b. arborizations<br />
c. isthmuses<br />
d. all of the above<br />
4. _______ from the root canal is one of<br />
the challenges for successful endodontic<br />
treatment.<br />
a. The removal of pulp tissue<br />
b. The removal of debris <strong>and</strong> the smear layer<br />
c. The removal of microorganisms <strong>and</strong> microtox<strong>in</strong>s<br />
d. all of the above<br />
5. The nickel-titanium <strong>in</strong>struments currently<br />
available act on the _______ of the<br />
root canal.<br />
a. isthmi<br />
b. central body<br />
c. lateral body<br />
d. all of the above<br />
6. _______ penetrates deep <strong>in</strong>to the dent<strong>in</strong>al<br />
tubules.<br />
a. Act<strong>in</strong>omyces israelii<br />
b. C<strong>and</strong>ida albicans<br />
c. Enterococcus faecalis<br />
d. a <strong>and</strong> c<br />
7. To be effective, root canal irrigants must<br />
_______.<br />
a. elim<strong>in</strong>ate bacterial contam<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
b. remove the smear layer<br />
c. dissolve the organic <strong>com</strong>ponent of the dental pulp<br />
d. all of the above<br />
8. _______ is a desired attribute for a root<br />
canal irrigant.<br />
a. Bacterial decontam<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
b. A broad antimicrobial spectrum<br />
c. The ability to enter deep <strong>in</strong>to dent<strong>in</strong>al tubules<br />
d. all of the above<br />
9. _______ is currently used as a root canal<br />
irrigant.<br />
a. Chlorhexid<strong>in</strong>e gluconate<br />
b. Hydrogen peroxide<br />
c. Sodium hypochlorite<br />
d. all of the above<br />
Questions<br />
10. Chlorhexid<strong>in</strong>e gluconate _______.<br />
a. offers a wide antimicrobial spectrum<br />
b. is bio<strong>com</strong>patible<br />
c. lacks the ability to dissolve necrotic tissue<br />
d. all of the above<br />
11. Hydrogen peroxide _______.<br />
a. is an effective antibacterial irrigant<br />
b. exhibits no tissue toxicity<br />
c. dissolves necrotic tissue<br />
d. a <strong>and</strong> c<br />
12. The irrigant that satisfies most of the<br />
requirements for a root canal irrigant is<br />
_______.<br />
a. polyalkenoic acid<br />
b. sodium hypochlorite<br />
c. sal<strong>in</strong>e<br />
d. chlorhexid<strong>in</strong>e gluconate<br />
13. Sodium hypochlorite _______.<br />
a. dissolves necrotic tissue<br />
b. dissolves the organic <strong>com</strong>ponents of the smear<br />
layer<br />
c. kills sessile endodontic pathogens<br />
d. all of the above<br />
14. EDTA has been re<strong>com</strong>mended as an<br />
adjuvant <strong>in</strong> root canal therapy because it<br />
is a _______.<br />
a. rem<strong>in</strong>eraliz<strong>in</strong>g agent<br />
b. dilutant<br />
c. dem<strong>in</strong>eraliz<strong>in</strong>g agent<br />
d. b <strong>and</strong> c<br />
15. The <strong>com</strong>b<strong>in</strong>ation of _______ has been<br />
used worldwide for antisepsis of root canal<br />
systems.<br />
a. sodium hypochlorite <strong>and</strong> calcium chloride<br />
b. EDTA <strong>and</strong> chlorhexid<strong>in</strong>e gluconate<br />
c. sodium hypochlorite <strong>and</strong> EDTA<br />
d. all of the above<br />
16. _______ is a general safety precaution<br />
prior to root canal irrigation.<br />
a. Use of a rubber dam<br />
b. Protect<strong>in</strong>g the patient’s eyes with safety glasses<br />
c. Use of a temporary seal<strong>in</strong>g material if deep caries is<br />
present adjacent to a rubber dam<br />
d. all of the above<br />
17. Apical extrusion of an endodontic<br />
irrigant _______ occurs.<br />
a. never<br />
b. rarely<br />
c. rout<strong>in</strong>ely<br />
d. always<br />
18. Root canal irrigation systems are available<br />
that work us<strong>in</strong>g _______.<br />
a. manual agitation techniques<br />
b. manual rotation techniques<br />
c. mach<strong>in</strong>e-assisted agitation techniques<br />
d. a <strong>and</strong> c<br />
19. When irrigat<strong>in</strong>g the root canal system, it<br />
is important to consider if _______.<br />
a. the irrigation system can deliver the irrigant to the<br />
whole extent of the root canal system<br />
b. the irrigant can debride areas that cannot be<br />
reached mechanically<br />
c. the irrigant conta<strong>in</strong>s any dye<br />
d. a <strong>and</strong> b<br />
20. An apical vapor lock effect _______.<br />
a. prevents the flow of irrigant <strong>in</strong>to the apical region of<br />
the root canal<br />
b. results <strong>in</strong> gas entrapment at the apical third<br />
c. resists displacement by <strong>in</strong>strumentation<br />
d. all of the above<br />
21. The _______ of sodium hypochlorite<br />
liberates ammonia <strong>and</strong> carbon dioxide.<br />
a. dessication<br />
b. hydrolysis<br />
c. cross-l<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g<br />
d. none of the above<br />
22. An apical vapor lock occurs <strong>in</strong> root<br />
canals with _______.<br />
a. an open-ended channel<br />
b. a close-ended channel<br />
c. multiple isthmuses<br />
d. all of the above<br />
23. _______ have confirmed the presence of<br />
apical vapor lock.<br />
a. Histological tests<br />
b. Micro-CT scans<br />
c. Radiographs<br />
d. a <strong>and</strong> b<br />
24. For a root canal irrigant to be<br />
mechanically effective <strong>in</strong> remov<strong>in</strong>g all the<br />
particles, it has to _______.<br />
a. reach the apex<br />
b. create a current<br />
c. carry the particles away<br />
d. all of the above<br />
25. The apical vapor lock <strong>and</strong> consideration<br />
for the patient’s safety has always<br />
prevented the thorough clean<strong>in</strong>g of the<br />
_______.<br />
a. apical 3 mm<br />
b. lateral 3 mm<br />
c. apical 5 mm<br />
d. lateral 5 mm<br />
26. The most <strong>com</strong>mon <strong>and</strong> conventional set<br />
of irrigation techniques is _______.<br />
a. mechanical irrigation<br />
b. manual irrigation<br />
c. hydrodynamic theory irrigation<br />
d. all of the above<br />
www.<strong>in</strong>eedce.<strong>com</strong> 13
27. Manual dynamic irrigation produces<br />
_______.<br />
a. a hydrodynamic effect<br />
b. effervescence<br />
c. significant irrigant exchange<br />
d. a <strong>and</strong> c<br />
28. Sonic activation has been shown to be<br />
an effective root canal irrigation method,<br />
operat<strong>in</strong>g at frequencies of _______.<br />
a. 1-6 kHz<br />
b. 2-7 kHz<br />
c. 3-8 kHz<br />
d. none of the above<br />
29. Ultrasonic energy _______.<br />
a. produces higher frequencies than sonic energy<br />
b. produces low amplitudes<br />
c. results <strong>in</strong> oscillations at frequencies of 25-30 kHz<br />
d. all of the above<br />
30. The literature <strong>in</strong>dicates that it is more<br />
advantageous to apply ultrasonics<br />
_______.<br />
a. as an alternative to conventional <strong>in</strong>strumentation<br />
b. after <strong>com</strong>pletion of canal preparation<br />
c. after <strong>in</strong>itial root canal preparation<br />
d. a <strong>and</strong> c<br />
31. Passive ultrasonic irrigation _______.<br />
a. operates without simultaneous irrigation<br />
b. allows energy to be transmitted from an oscillat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
file or smooth wire to the irrigant<br />
c. is the only type of ultrasonic irrigation<br />
d. a <strong>and</strong> b<br />
32. Passive ultrasonic irrigation _______.<br />
a. effectively removes pulpal tissue remnants<br />
b. effectively removes dent<strong>in</strong> debris<br />
c. results <strong>in</strong> a significant reduction of the number of<br />
bacteria<br />
d. all of the above<br />
33. Studies have demonstrated that effective<br />
delivery of irrigants to the apical third can<br />
be enhanced by us<strong>in</strong>g _______ devices.<br />
a. ultrasonic<br />
b. sonic<br />
c. air abrasion<br />
d. a <strong>and</strong> b<br />
34. Acoustic microstream<strong>in</strong>g is def<strong>in</strong>ed as<br />
the movement of _______.<br />
a. sound along cell membranes<br />
b. fluids along cell membranes<br />
c. gases along cell membranes<br />
d. all of the above<br />
35. Once a sonic or ultrasonically activated tip<br />
leaves the irrigant <strong>and</strong> enters the apical vapor<br />
lock, _______ be<strong>com</strong>es physically impossible.<br />
a. acoustic microstream<strong>in</strong>g<br />
b. cavitation<br />
c. cell death<br />
d. a <strong>and</strong>/or b<br />
Questions<br />
36. Ultrasonics _______.<br />
a. can effectively clean bacteria from the root canal<br />
system<br />
b. can effectively clean debris from the root canal<br />
system<br />
c. cannot effectively get through the apical vapor lock<br />
d. all of the above<br />
37. _______ is a <strong>com</strong>mon reason given for<br />
not us<strong>in</strong>g sonic or ultrasonic fil<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
a. The time required for set-up<br />
b. An unwill<strong>in</strong>gness to <strong>in</strong>cur the equipment costs<br />
c. Lack of awareness of the benefits of this f<strong>in</strong>al<br />
<strong>in</strong>strumentation step<br />
d. all of the above<br />
38. Sonic or ultrasonic activation might<br />
allow a better removal of _______.<br />
a. pulpal tissue remnants<br />
b. debris from isthmi<br />
c. debris from f<strong>in</strong>s<br />
d. all of the above<br />
39. An apical negative pressure system<br />
conta<strong>in</strong>s a _______.<br />
a. Master Delivery Tip<br />
b. MacroCannula<br />
c. MicroCannula<br />
d. all of the above<br />
40. A pressure alternation device consists of<br />
_______.<br />
a. a h<strong>and</strong>piece<br />
b. a cannula with a 7 mm exit aperture<br />
c. a syr<strong>in</strong>ge carry<strong>in</strong>g irrigant<br />
d. all of the above<br />
41.With an apical negative pressure system,<br />
the cannulae <strong>in</strong> the canal _______.<br />
a. exert negative pressure<br />
b. pull irrigant from its fresh supply <strong>in</strong> the<br />
chamber, down the canal to the tip of the<br />
cannula<br />
c. pull irrigant <strong>in</strong>to the cannula <strong>and</strong> out through the<br />
suction hose<br />
d. all of the above<br />
42. Apical negative pressure has been shown<br />
to _______.<br />
a. enable irrigants to reach the apical third<br />
b. help over<strong>com</strong>e the issue of apical vapor lock<br />
c. remove the risk of sodium hypochlorite <strong>in</strong>cidents<br />
d. all of the above<br />
43. A sodium hypochlorite <strong>in</strong>cident occurs<br />
when the irrigant _______.<br />
a. extrudes through the root canal foramen<br />
b. is at a concentration above 3%<br />
c. is mixed with a second irrigant<br />
d. all of the above<br />
44. Re<strong>com</strong>mendations for avoid<strong>in</strong>g sodium<br />
hypochlorite <strong>in</strong>cidents <strong>in</strong>clude _______.<br />
a. not b<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g the needle <strong>in</strong> the canal<br />
b. not plac<strong>in</strong>g the needle close to work<strong>in</strong>g length<br />
c. us<strong>in</strong>g a gentle flow rate<br />
d. all of the above<br />
45. _______ is a sequela of a sodium<br />
hypochlorite <strong>in</strong>cident.<br />
a. Life-threaten<strong>in</strong>g airway obstruction<br />
b. Permanent paresthesia<br />
c. Facial disfigurement<br />
d. all of the above<br />
46. Based on the evidence from actual<br />
sodium hypochlorite <strong>in</strong>cidents <strong>and</strong> the<br />
location of the associated tissue trauma,<br />
it would appear that an _______may be<br />
the cause.<br />
a. anatomical anomaly<br />
b. <strong>in</strong>travenous <strong>in</strong>jection<br />
c. arterial <strong>in</strong>jection<br />
d. a <strong>and</strong> b<br />
47. In an <strong>in</strong> vitro study <strong>com</strong>par<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>tracanal irrigation delivery devices, only<br />
the use of a device us<strong>in</strong>g _______ resulted<br />
<strong>in</strong> no extrusion at the apex.<br />
a. ultrasonics<br />
b. apical positive pressure<br />
c. apical negative pressure<br />
d. sonics<br />
48. The presence of a sealed apical foramen<br />
was shown <strong>in</strong> one study to adversely affect<br />
debridement efficacy when _______ was<br />
used.<br />
a. manual dynamic agitation<br />
b. apical negative pressure<br />
c. water<br />
d. all of the above<br />
49. The only method yet discovered to<br />
elim<strong>in</strong>ate the apical vapor lock is to<br />
evacuate it via _______.<br />
a. apical positive pressure<br />
b. apical negative pressure<br />
c. acoustic microstream<strong>in</strong>g<br />
d. all of the above<br />
50. Proper root canal irrigation should result<br />
<strong>in</strong> _______.<br />
a. safe delivery of the irrigat<strong>in</strong>g agent(s)<br />
b. removal of 100% of the organic tissue <strong>in</strong> the canal(s)<br />
c. removal of 100% of the microbial contam<strong>in</strong>ants<br />
d. all of the above<br />
14 www.<strong>in</strong>eedce.<strong>com</strong>
ANSWER SHEET<br />
<strong>Safety</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Efficacy</strong> <strong>Considerations</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Endodontic</strong> Irrigation<br />
Name: Title: Specialty:<br />
Address: E-mail:<br />
City: State: ZIP: Country:<br />
Telephone: Home ( ) Office ( ) Lic. Renewal Date:<br />
Requirements for successful <strong>com</strong>pletion of the course <strong>and</strong> to obta<strong>in</strong> dental cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g education credits: 1) Read the entire course. 2) Complete all<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation above. 3) Complete answer sheets <strong>in</strong> either pen or pencil. 4) Mark only one answer for each question. 5) A score of 70% on this test will earn<br />
you 3 CE credits. 6) Complete the Course Evaluation below. 7) Make check payable to PennWell Corp. For Questions Call 216.398.7822<br />
Educational Objectives<br />
1. List <strong>and</strong> describe the challenges for successful endodontic treatment<br />
2. List <strong>and</strong> describe the different types of root canal irrigants, their relative advantages <strong>and</strong> disadvantages<br />
3. List <strong>and</strong> describe root canal irrigation systems<br />
4. Describe <strong>and</strong> expla<strong>in</strong> a sodium hypochlorite <strong>in</strong>cident<br />
5. List <strong>and</strong> describe the steps that can be taken to avoid a sodium hypochlorite <strong>in</strong>cident<br />
Course Evaluation<br />
Please evaluate this course by respond<strong>in</strong>g to the follow<strong>in</strong>g statements, us<strong>in</strong>g a scale of Excellent = 5 to Poor = 0.<br />
1.Were the <strong>in</strong>dividual course objectives met? Objective #1: Yes No Objective #3: Yes No<br />
Objective #2: Yes No Objective #4: Yes No<br />
Objective #5: Yes No<br />
2.To what extent were the course objectives ac<strong>com</strong>plished overall? 5 4 3 2 1 0<br />
3. Please rate your personal mastery of the course objectives. 5 4 3 2 1 0<br />
4. How would you rate the objectives <strong>and</strong> educational methods? 5 4 3 2 1 0<br />
5. How do you rate the author’s grasp of the topic? 5 4 3 2 1 0<br />
6. Please rate the <strong>in</strong>structor’s effectiveness. 5 4 3 2 1 0<br />
7.Was the overall adm<strong>in</strong>istration of the course effective? 5 4 3 2 1 0<br />
8. Do you feel that the references were adequate? Yes No<br />
9.Would you participate <strong>in</strong> a similar program on a different topic? Yes No<br />
10. If any of the cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g education questions were unclear or ambiguous, please list them.<br />
___________________________________________________________________<br />
11.Was there any subject matter you found confus<strong>in</strong>g? Please describe.<br />
___________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________<br />
12.What additional cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g dental education topics would you like to see?<br />
___________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________<br />
If not tak<strong>in</strong>g onl<strong>in</strong>e, mail <strong>com</strong>pleted answer sheet to<br />
Academy of Dental Therapeutics <strong>and</strong> Stomatology,<br />
A Division of PennWell Corp.<br />
P.O. Box 116, Chesterl<strong>and</strong>, OH 44026<br />
or fax to: (440) 845-3447<br />
AUTHOR DISCLAIMER<br />
The author of this course has no <strong>com</strong>mercial ties with the sponsors or the providers of the<br />
unrestricted educational grant for this course.<br />
SPONSOR/PROVIDER<br />
This course was made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Discus<br />
Dental. No manufacturer or third party has had any <strong>in</strong>put <strong>in</strong>to the development of<br />
course content. All content has been derived from references listed, <strong>and</strong> or the op<strong>in</strong>ions<br />
of cl<strong>in</strong>icians. Please direct all questions perta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g to PennWell or the adm<strong>in</strong>istration of<br />
this course to Machele Galloway, 1421 S. Sheridan Rd., Tulsa, OK 74112 or macheleg@<br />
pennwell.<strong>com</strong>.<br />
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We encourage participant feedback perta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g to all courses. Please be sure to <strong>com</strong>plete the<br />
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PLEASE PHOTOCOPY ANSWER SHEET FOR ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS.<br />
INSTRUCTIONS<br />
All questions should have only one answer. Grad<strong>in</strong>g of this exam<strong>in</strong>ation is done<br />
manually. Participants will receive confirmation of pass<strong>in</strong>g by receipt of a verification<br />
form. Verification forms will be mailed with<strong>in</strong> two weeks after tak<strong>in</strong>g an exam<strong>in</strong>ation.<br />
EDUCATIONAL DISCLAIMER<br />
The op<strong>in</strong>ions of efficacy or perceived value of any products or <strong>com</strong>panies mentioned<br />
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Complet<strong>in</strong>g a s<strong>in</strong>gle cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g education course does not provide enough <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
to give the participant the feel<strong>in</strong>g that s/he is an expert <strong>in</strong> the field related to the course<br />
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allows the participant to develop skills <strong>and</strong> expertise.<br />
COURSE CREDITS/COST<br />
All participants scor<strong>in</strong>g at least 70% on the exam<strong>in</strong>ation will receive a verification<br />
form verify<strong>in</strong>g 3 CE credits. The formal cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g education program of this sponsor<br />
is accepted by the AGD for Fellowship/Mastership credit. Please contact PennWell for<br />
current term of acceptance. Participants are urged to contact their state dental boards<br />
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answer sheets can be faxed with credit card payment to<br />
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Charges on your statement will show up as PennWell<br />
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AGD Code 074<br />
RECORD KEEPING<br />
PennWell ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>s records of your successful <strong>com</strong>pletion of any exam. Please contact our<br />
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of receipt.<br />
CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY<br />
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© 2011 by the Academy of Dental Therapeutics <strong>and</strong> Stomatology, a division<br />
of PennWell<br />
SAFE0111DE<br />
www.<strong>in</strong>eedce.<strong>com</strong> Customer Service 216.398.7822 15
Kills microbes dead.<br />
100% Safe. * 100% Kill. 1 S<strong>in</strong>gle Visit.<br />
S<strong>in</strong>gle-Visit Dis<strong>in</strong>fection is now a Reality<br />
Time is valuable for both your patients <strong>and</strong> your practice. Fortunately,<br />
the EndoVac is cl<strong>in</strong>ically proven to deliver 100% bacterial kill levels 1<br />
with <strong>com</strong>plete safety 2 <strong>and</strong> significantly less post-operative pa<strong>in</strong> 3<br />
for your patients. EndoVac delivers dead-on success, the first time<br />
around. If the bugs are dead, close the case.<br />
“...the present results demonstrated that reliable dis<strong>in</strong>fection can be achievable with<br />
efficient <strong>and</strong> safer irrigation delivery systems, such as the EndoVac system, <strong>and</strong> that<br />
the use of <strong>in</strong>tracanal antibiotics might not be necessary.”<br />
Cohenca OOOOE 2010 Jan;109:e42-46<br />
Irrigation Protocol. Easy as 1, 2, 3...<br />
1. EndoVac Master Delivery Tip<br />
— Gross Debridement<br />
& Dis<strong>in</strong>fection<br />
Provides a constant flow of<br />
irrigant without the risk of<br />
overflow. The MDT is used<br />
after each <strong>in</strong>strument change<br />
to remove gross debris aris<strong>in</strong>g<br />
from <strong>in</strong>strumentation.<br />
Call today to schedule an <strong>in</strong>-office demo.<br />
(800) 451-8176<br />
discusdental.<strong>com</strong><br />
2. EndoVac MacroCannula —<br />
Debridement & Dis<strong>in</strong>fection<br />
Deep <strong>in</strong> the Canal<br />
Removes coarse debris<br />
deep <strong>in</strong>side the canal after all<br />
<strong>in</strong>strumentation is <strong>com</strong>pleted.<br />
SPECIAL<br />
IntroduCtory<br />
offEr!<br />
Mention Code:<br />
SP2017<br />
3. EndoVac MicroCannula<br />
— Complete Apical<br />
Debridement & Dis<strong>in</strong>fection<br />
at Work<strong>in</strong>g Length<br />
Maximum microbial control<br />
us<strong>in</strong>g a 0.32 mm cannula<br />
<strong>and</strong> negative pressure to<br />
safely draw irrigants to the<br />
apical term<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>and</strong> create<br />
a vortex-like clean<strong>in</strong>g of the<br />
apical third.<br />
(1) Journal of <strong>Endodontic</strong>s 2008;34:1374-1377<br />
(2) Journal of <strong>Endodontic</strong>s 2009;35:545-549<br />
(3) Journal of <strong>Endodontic</strong>s 2010;36:1295-1301<br />
* The claim “100% Safe” refers to the f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g that the EndoVac MicroCannula <strong>and</strong> MacroCannula<br />
produced no extrusion of irrigant apically <strong>in</strong> the study reported <strong>in</strong> J Endod 2009;35:545-549.<br />
The EndoVac is <strong>in</strong>tended only for the irrigation of root canals dur<strong>in</strong>g endodontic treatment <strong>and</strong> only<br />
for use accord<strong>in</strong>g to manufacturer’s <strong>in</strong>structions.<br />
© 2010 Discus Dental, LLC. All rights reserved. ADV-3172 120910 20-2653