Evaluating the influence of different irrigation needles on the apical cleaning efficacy of endodontic irrigation - An in vitro study.

Context: Irrigation is an essential part of a successful root canal treatment.

Aim: This study evaluates and compares the influence of three different double-sided vented irrigation needle gauges (G) (27G, 30G, and 31G) on the apical cleaning effectiveness of endodontic irrigation using radiovisiography.

Settings and design: A thorough protocol describing the objectives and methodologies of the study was submitted to the Institutional Ethics Committee, Vivekanandha Dental College for Women. Ethical clearance no. VDCW/IEC/340/2023.

Subjects and methods: Forty-five human mandibular premolars were extracted, filled with a radiopaque medium, and subjected to irrigation with three varying sizes of double-sided vented irrigation needles. Preirrigation and postirrigation radiographic images were digitally subtracted to assess the cleaned areas.

Statistical analysis used: Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS version 27. For the purpose of intergroup comparisons, one-way analysis of variance was implemented, followed by the execution of the Tukey honestly significant difference post hoc test. Throughout the comparisons, P < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant.

Results: Maximum cleaning was observed in 31G double-sided vented irrigation needles, followed by 30G and 27G double-sided vented irrigation needles.

Conclusions: The 31G double-sided vented irrigation needles exhibit a higher level of effectiveness in the cleansing of the apical third of the root canal system in comparison to the other two irrigation needle variants.