A comparative evaluation of efficacy of smear layer removal using a novel handpiece mounted continuous irrigation system – An in vitro stereomicroscopic study

• Author Details:   
• Sneha Chandran ^*
• Mohammed Ashik
• Elsy P Simon
• Nimmy Kurian

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Introduction: The exchange of irrigant apical to the needle tip is dependent on the needle type, design, and gauge and it is usually limited to 1 to 1.5 mm beyond the needle tip. Therefore, to deliver active irrigant apically, the needle is required to be inserted near the working length (WL). The present research focuses on the smear layer removal efficacy of handpiece mounted continuous irrigation system with simultaneous root canal preparation compared with conventional syringe irrigation from the apical third.

Aim and objective: To compare the effectiveness of smear layer removal in the apical third of root canals using a novel handpiece-mounted continuous irrigation system.

Material and Methods: An in vitro study was conducted using 10 extracted human premolars, randomly divided into two groups: Group 1: Continuous irrigation with 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) through a handpiece-mounted system during rotary instrumentation. Group 2: Conventional syringe irrigation using 2 ml of 3%. All teeth were instrumented to size 30/06 taper, stained with 1% methylene blue dye, sectioned longitudinally, and observed under a stereomicroscope at 40× magnification. The depth of dye penetration in the apical third was assessed as an indirect measure of smear layer removal.

Result: Group 1 demonstrated greater dye penetration in the apical third compared to Group 2, indicating more effective smear layer removal.

Conclusion: The handpiece-mounted continuous irrigation system showed superior smear layer removal in the apical third compared to syringe irrigation.