Irrigation trends among members of the Chilean Endodontic Society

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study is to determine the current trends of irrigation during root canal therapy by specialists who are members of the Chilean Endodontic Society. Materials and Method: A survey (Survey Monkey®-SurveyMonkey.com) was e-mailed to the 485 members of the Chilean Endodontic Society. The instrument was translated and adapted from the survey "Irrigation trends among American Association of Endodontists members: A web-based survey" applied in the USA in 2012. Participants answered a set of 16 questions that included irrigant selection, irrigant concentration, the adopted protocol, techniques or devices for irrigant activation. Results: 99% of respondents use sodium hypochlorite as the main irrigant. Data indicate that 74% of respondents use hypochlorite at a concentration of 5%. Most respondents (94%) also include EDTA in their usual practice. In addition, 90% of respondents reported that they activate the irrigating agent, and 94% confirmed that they perform a final irrigation protocol. Conclusion: The majority of respondents use sodium hypochlorite as the main irrigant at a concentration of 5%, use ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a smear removal agent, activate the irrigant, and perform a final irrigation protocol.

Keywords

• endodontics
• surveys and questionnaires
• smear layer
• edetic acid
• root canal irrigants
• irrigation adjuncts smear layer