Comparative evaluation of efficacy of XP Endo Finisher, sonic, and ultrasonic irrigation in removal of calcium hydroxide and subsequent adaptation of gutta percha in simulated internal resorption cavity - An in vitro study

Aim: The study aims to comparatively evaluate various irrigating techniques in removing calcium hydroxide (CH, aqueous/silicon oil based) from simulated internal resorptive cavity and subsequent adaptability of thermoplasticized gutta percha (GP) to root canal walls. Methods: One hundred and sixty extracted human mandibular second premolars with single root were chemomechanically prepared to a size F3 (size 30, 6% taper). Standardized internal root resorption cavities were prepared, and samples were randomly divided into two main groups (n = 80) according to type of CH medicament used: Group I - silicon oil based (Metapex) and Group II - aqueous based (RC Cal) and four subgroups (n = 20) according to the technique used for removal of CH: Subgroup A - passive ultrasonic irrigation, Subgroup B - XP Endo Finisher (XP), Subgroup C - sonic irrigation, Subgroup D - conventional syringe irrigation. Half of the samples were evaluated for the quantity of remaining CH and the remaining half were evaluated for the adaptability of thermoplasticized GP under a stereomicroscope. The statistical analysis of the obtained scores was done using a nonparametric test, Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by Mann–Whitney U-test. Results: XP showed maximum removal of CH and adaptation of GP in both the groups. Adaptability of GP to the dentinal wall was better in Group II than in Group I. Conclusions: Complete removal of CH (both formulations) was not possible with either of the experimental irrigation techniques from simulated internal root resorptive defects.