Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the in vitro effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI) in gel form (G) with sodium hypochlorite in liquid form (L) in removing the debris and smear layers from the canal walls of endodontically treated teeth. Materials and Methods: Sixty-four anterior teeth with a curvature of 15-25 degrees were assessed; all canals were instrumented using the crown-down technique. Teeth were divided into six experimental groups according to the size of the master apical file and the type of irrigation used [Group 1 (#10G), Group 2 (#20G), Group 3 (#30G), Group 4 (#10L), Group 5 (#20L), Group 6(#30L)]. Root canals in Groups 1, 2 and 3 were irrigated with 5 ml of 2.25% NaOCI in gel form using a 30 gauge needle. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were irrigated using 2.25% NaOCI in liquid form following the same protocol. Each canal in the negative control group was enlarged at the working length of a #30 K-file without any irrigation. Evaluation of debris, smear layer, and the visibility of open tubules at the coronal, middle and apical thirds of root canals were performed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney tests. Results: There was no significant difference between irrigants according to canal size or canal level. Since NaOCI gel exhibits the same effectiveness as NaOCI liquid, it can be recommended as a safe intracanal irrigation agent. Clinical Significance: If NaOCI gel exhibits the same effectiveness as NaOCI liquid, NaOCI gel would have the advantage of providing better control and prevent the adverse effects of NaOCI fluid, especially in periradicular tissue.