Evaluation of the efficacy of sonic activation in root canal cleaning with an endocator adenosine triphosphate tester: An in vitro study.

Context: Evaluating the efficacy of sonic activation in root canal cleaning using an Endocator adenosine triphosphate (ATP) tester.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the cleaning efficacy of needle irrigation and sonic activation by measuring ATP values and colony-forming units (CFUs) during root canal procedure.

Settings and design: The design of the study is an in vitro study.

Materials and methods: Eighty (n = 80) extracted mandibular molars were selected, and distal root canals were enlarged to F2 with ProTaper Gold rotary files. Canals were rinsed with 2 mL of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2 mL of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and 2 mL of distilled water. Samples are sterilized, Enterococcus faecalis is inoculated and incubated at 37° for 4 weeks. Baseline ATP values and CFU are measured. Samples are divided into four groups of n = 20 and are irrigated. Group 1:2 mL of distilled water for 30 s. Group 2: 2 mL of distilled water activated with SmartLite Pro EndoActivator (SLP-EA) for 30 s. Group 3: 2 mL of 1% NaOCl for 30 s. Group 4: 2 mL of 1% NaOCl activated with SLP-EA for 30 s. The irrigation procedure was repeated for nine cycles. ATP values and CFU are recorded after each cycle. Friedman, Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon, and Tukey's post hoc tests are used for statistical evaluation.

Results: A significant decrease in ATP values and CFU from baseline to residual level is observed in all groups (P ≤ 0.05). Microbial load reduction is significant in Group 4, followed by Groups 2 and 3.

Conclusions: 1% NaOCl + SLP-EA showed better efficacy by recording lower ATP values and CFU.