The Effectiveness of Triton Used With XP-3D Adaptive Files and Active Irrigation on Smear Layer Removal During Root Canal Preparation: A Qualitative Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Study.

Background: Standard irrigating protocols during root canal treatment call for the use of sodium hypochlorite during chemo-mechanical preparation, followed by final irrigation with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). This study determined the effectiveness of a new irrigant, Triton (Brasseler, USA), on smear layer removal during root canal treatment compared to that of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and CanalPro EDTA 17% (Coltene).

Methodology: Twenty-one extracted anterior teeth were prepared for root canal treatment. The teeth were divided into three groups: five teeth were used as control with saline as the irrigant, eight teeth with sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA as irrigants, and eight teeth with Triton as the irrigant. Root canal preparation was done using the XP-3D shaper and finisher files (Brasseler, USA) for all teeth with respective irrigants. A single operator performed all root canal treatment procedures. The teeth were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and analysis was performed by a second investigator. The smear layer removal was qualitatively assessed to determine the effectiveness of irrigants.

Results: Smear layer removal was most effective for teeth irrigated with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, followed by 17% EDTA (Group B). Teeth irrigated with Triton (Group A) showed a similar appearance to the hypochlorite/EDTA group but with isolated instances of inter-tubular debris.

Conclusion: Sodium hypochlorite use followed by a final rinse with EDTA remains the gold standard for the removal of the smear layer created during canal instrumentation.