Comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of XP-endo Finisher and passive ultrasonic activation on dentinal tubule penetration of irrigation solution: A confocal laser scanning microscopy study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this in vitro study was to comparatively evaluate the effectiveness of XP-endo Finisher and passive ultrasonic (PU) activation on dentinal tubule penetration of irrigation solution: A confocal laser scanning microscopy study. Materials and Methods: Forty extracted single-rooted human mandibular canines and premolars were instrumented up to size 40/06 taper and randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 20) based on the activation technique of final irrigation solution into Group A: PU activation and Group B: XP-endo Finisher activation. In each group, 5 ml of 5% NaOCl labeled with fluorescent dye was used during activation as the final irrigation solution. Specimens were sectioned at 2, 5, and 8 mm from the apex and examined under confocal microscope to calculate the dentinal tubule penetration area. Data were analyzed using Tukey's post hoc tests (P = 0.05). Results: PU activation exhibited a significantly higher penetration area than XP-endo Finisher activation (P middle > apical) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The PU activation is more effective than XP-endo Finisher in terms of irrigant penetration into the dentinal tubules.

Keywords

• confocal laser scanning microscope
• dentinal tubule penetration
• passive ultrasonic activation
• xp-endo finisher