Comparative evaluation of different techniques in calcium hydroxide removal from root canals by scanning electron microscope: An in vitro study

Objectives: a) to evaluate the efficacy of various instruments in removal of Ca(OH)2 from the root canals. b) to find out the best instrument or technique out of all five experimental groups. c) to access the inter group comparison among them. Methodology: For this study 70 teeth were selected from an adult population with sufficient crown, complete roots and fully formed apices. Following that root canal preparation was done using Protaper Universal rotary system upto F4 ( #40, 6% taper) using Avue Prep (Dental Avenue, India) and 5 ml of 3% sodium hypochlorite with 17% EDTA. Following that, calcium hydroxide paste was then inserted and retrieved by different instruments. Result: In the coronal third, passive ultrasonic irrigation method and that of master apical file performed better than the other groups. In the middle third, the cleaning efficacy was better for passive ultrasonic irrigation followed by navitip fx, master apical file, canal brush. In the apical third, passive ultrasonic irrigation method outperformed other groups. Conclusion: Even though none of the techniques used in this study completely removed the CH from the root canals. But passive ultrasonic irrigation technique proved a way ahead than the other methodologies.