Influence of the passive and active irrigation techniques on the volume of the gas bubbles formed after biomechanical preparation

Aims Since the inception of the cleaning and shaping concept, the use of instruments and chemicals has remained as the central paradigm of the root canal therapy. However, cleaning and shaping the root canal space adequately is a well-known difficult task, particularly in root canal systems with intercanal connections, isthmuses, and fins. Recently, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) technology brought new perspectives on the morphological study of the root canal system 1-8 , as well as, the overall mechanical preparation 9-16 and obturation quality 17-19 of the root canal system, confirming the inability of shaping tools in acting within its anatomical complexity. These mechanical substandard results certainly compromise intracanal disinfection since pulp tissue or biofilm may remain untouched over non-instrumented dentine areas, offering the possibility for microorganisms to re-colonize the canal system, leading to treatment failure. 20