Efficacy of Apple Vinegar as Root Canal Irrigant in Removing Smear Layer in Curved Canals Using EndoVac Irrigation System

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of Apple Vinegar irrigating solution using EndoVac system in removing the smear layer from root canals. Materials and Methods: Fifty extracted permanent mandibular first molar teeth with curved mesiobuccal root canals of 5°-20° curvature range were prepared using ProTaper Gold rotary files. Then, they were divided into three groups, two equal main groups with 20 teeth for each (Group I & Group II) plus one control group (10 teeth), based on the final irrigating solution used. Group I; was rinsed with 17% EDTA, Group II; with Apple vinegar, and the Control group with sterile saline. All groups were further subdivided into two equal subgroups (A&B) according to irrigating device where Subgroup A: conventional irrigation, and Subgroup B: EndoVac irrigation system. All teeth were prepared for smear layer examination using a scanning electron microscope. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between Apple Vinegar and 17% EDTA groups at all root canal levels with either conventional or EndoVac irrigation. However, at the apical level, EndoVac irrigation system was superior to conventional technique when apple vinegar was the irrigant used with a statistically significant difference (p=0.029). Conclusion: Apple vinegar is as effective as 17% EDTA in smear layer removal from the root canal when used as a final rinse. EndoVac irrigation can help in smear layer removal from intraradicular dentin, especially at the apical root level. Recommendations: Further studies can be done comparing EndoVac system with more recent irrigating devices using apple vinegar as a final rinse. Codex : 09/22.01 azhardentj@azhar.edu.eg http://adjg.journals.ekb.eg DOI: 10.21608/adjg.2021.73464.1356 Restorative Dentistry (Removable Prosthodontics, Fixed Prosthodontics, Endodontics, Dental Biomaterials, Operative Dentistry)