Comparison of Endovac irrigation system with conventional irrigation for removal of intracanal smear layer: an in vitro study

Aim. This study comparatively evaluated the efficacy of Endovac irrigation system with conventional needle irrigation in removing smear layer from the root canal. Study design. Thirty permanent maxillary central incisors were divided into 3 groups of 10 teeth each. In group I, the teeth were instrumented and irrigated by conventional irrigation using 27-gauge irrigation needle. In group II, irrigation was done using Endovac irrigation system. In group III (negative control) chemomechanical preparation was performed using saline solution. Scanning electron microscope evaluation was done for assessment of smear layer removal in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds. Results. Data were analyzed using post hoc test and Kruskal-Wallis test for significance at P < .05. Statistically significant difference was seen between the 2 test groups in smear layer removal from the apical third (3 mm) of the root canal, although no significant difference was seen in the coronal and middle thirds. The most efficient smear layer removal was seen in group II (Endovac) compared with other groups (P < .05). Conclusions. The study showed significantly better removal of smear layer from the apical third of root canal using Endovac compared with conventional needle irrigation. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2011; 112:407-411)