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Ex vivo evaluation of the effectiveness of XP-endo Finisher on the removal of smear layer from the root canal

Avaliação ex vivo da eficácia do XP-endo Finisher na remoção de smear layer do canal radicular

ABSTRACT

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of XP-endo Finisher (XP) on removal of the smear layer in root canals by comparing different irrigation protocols.

Methods:

Seventy-two human single-rooted teeth were similarly instrumented using R25 Reciproc files (VDW, Munich, Germany) applied in reciprocating mode with a VDW GOLD endo motor (VDW, Munich, Germany). The working length was determined at 1 mm short of the apical foramen. The canals were irrigated with 5 mL of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite during instrumentation. The teeth were divided at random into six groups (n=12). A control group, which was not submitted to the final irrigation protocol, and five experimental groups with different irrigants and agitation techniques: EDTA/File, EDTA/XP, EDTA/Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI), Distilled Water (DW)/XP, and DW/PUI). Smear layer removal quality scores were assessed in the apical, middle, and cervical thirds of the root canal based on images obtained by scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by two-by-two comparisons with the Dunn test (α=5%).

Results:

EDTA/File, EDTA/PUI, and EDTA/XP groups demonstrated significantly lower scores than the other groups (P<0.05) in all thirds evaluated. No significant difference was observed between the groups in which distilled water was used and the control group in all thirds evaluated (P> 0.05).

Conclusion:

The XP-endo Finisher file did not increase the efficiency of EDTA in removal of the smear layer in root canals.

Indexing terms
Root canal irrigants; Smear layer; Scanning electron microscopy; Ultrasonics

RESUMO

Objective:

Avaliar a eficácia do XP-endo Finisher (XP) na remoção da smear layer em canais radiculares, comparando diferentes protocolos de irrigação.

Métodos:

Setenta e dois dentes humanos unirradiculares foram similarmente instrumentados usando limas R25 (VDW, Munich, Germany) aplicadas no modo reciprocrantes em um motor endodôntico VDW GOLD (VDW, Munich, Germany). O comprimento de trabalho foi determinado a 1 mm aquém do forame apical. Os canais foram irrigados com 5 mL de hipoclorito de sódio 2,5% durante a instrumentação. Os dentes foram divididos aleatoriamente em seis grupos (n=12). Um grupo controle, que não foi submetido ao protocolo final de irrigação, e cinco grupos experimentais com diferentes irrigantes e técnicas de agitação: EDTA/Lima, EDTA/XP, EDTA/Irrigação Ultrassônica Passiva (IUP), Água destilada (AD)/XP, e AD/IUP). Os escores de qualidade de remoção da camada de smear layer foram avaliados nos terços apical, médio e cervical do canal radicular com base em imagens obtidas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis, seguido de comparações dois a dois pelo teste de Dunn (α = 5%).

Resultados:

Os grupos EDTA/lima, EDTA/PUI e EDTA/XP demonstraram escores significativamente menores que os outros grupos (P <0,05). Não foi observada diferença entre os grupos que utilizaram água destilada e o grupo controle em todos os terços avaliados (P> 0.05).

Conclusão:

A lima XP-endo Finisher não aumentou a eficiência do EDTA na remoção da smear layer em canais radiculares.

Termos de indexação
Irrigantes do canal radicular; Camada de esfregaço; Tomografia com microscopia eletrônica; Ultrassom

INTRODUCTION

Successful endodontic treatment depends on effective control of the infection during the treatment. In this regard, chemo-mechanical preparation plays an essential role in the elimination or reduction of bacteria [11 Siqueira JF, Jr., Rocas IN. Clinical implications and microbiology of bacterial persistence after treatment procedures. J Endod. 2008;34(11):1291-301. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2008.07.028
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2008.07.0...
]. However, it has been shown that large areas of the root canal walls remain untouched after instrumentation [22 Siqueira Junior JF, Rocas IDN, Marceliano-Alves MF, Perez AR, Ricucci D. Unprepared root canal surface areas: causes, clinical implications, and therapeutic strategies. Braz Oral Res. 2018;32(suppl 1):e65. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1807-3107bor-2018.vol32.0065
https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-3107bor-201...
] and that bacteria remained inside the root canals, irrespective of the instrumentation technique employed [33 Gazzaneo I, Amoroso-Silva P, Pacheco-Yanes J, Alves FRF, Marceliano-Alves M, Olivares P, et al. Disinfecting and shaping type I C-shaped root canals: a correlative micro-computed tomographic and molecular microbiology study. J Endod. 2021;47(4):621-30. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2020.11.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2020.11.0...
]. Accordingly, a irrigation becomes essential to ensure cleanliness in areas that have not been subjected to mechanical instrumentation [44 Jamleh A, Suda H, Adorno CG. Irrigation effectiveness of continuous ultrasonic irrigation system: An ex vivo study. Dent Mater J. 2018;37(1):1-5. http://dx.doi.org/10.4012/dmj.2016-411
https://doi.org/10.4012/dmj.2016-411...
] and direct contact of the irrigant solution with the entire wall of the root canal is essential for effective action [55 Dioguardi M, Gioia GD, Illuzzi G, Laneve E, Cocco A, Troiano G. Endodontic irrigants: Different methods to improve efficacy and related problems. Eur J Dent. 2018;12(3):459-66. http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/ejd.ejd_56_18
https://doi.org/10.4103/ejd.ejd_56_18...
], and removal of the smear layer is essential for the irrigant to be able to permeate the whole root canal system.

Using the conventional irrigation method, with syringe and needle, is insufficient for complete cleaning of the root canal system (lateral, isthmus, and accessory canals) [66 Susila A, Minu J. Activated irrigation vs. conventional non-activated irrigation in endodontics: a systematic review. Eur Endod J. 2019;4(3):96-110. http://dx.doi.org/10.14744/eej.2019.80774
https://doi.org/10.14744/eej.2019.80774...
]. In addition, air trapped in the apical third of the root canal can hinder the action of the irrigant and its effectiveness in debridement [77 Marques AC, Aguiar BA, Frota LM, Guimaraes BM, Vivacqua-Gomes N, Vivan RR, et al. Evaluation of influence of widening apical preparation of root canals on efficiency of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid agitation protocols: study by scanning electron microscopy. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2018;19(9):1087-94.]. Agitation of irrigants using endodontic files, sonic, ultrasonic or laser devices has been associated with improvement in cleaning and disinfection of the root canal system [88 Urban K, Donnermeyer D, Schafer E, Burklein S. Canal cleanliness using different irrigation activation systems: a SEM evaluation. Clin Oral Investig. 2017;21(9):2681-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00784-017-2070-x
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-017-2070-...
]. Passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) comprises activation of the solution using fine-gauge instruments with ultrasonic oscillation after root canal instrumentation [88 Urban K, Donnermeyer D, Schafer E, Burklein S. Canal cleanliness using different irrigation activation systems: a SEM evaluation. Clin Oral Investig. 2017;21(9):2681-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00784-017-2070-x
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-017-2070-...
]. PUI has been considered more effective than conventional irrigation with manual agitation [66 Susila A, Minu J. Activated irrigation vs. conventional non-activated irrigation in endodontics: a systematic review. Eur Endod J. 2019;4(3):96-110. http://dx.doi.org/10.14744/eej.2019.80774
https://doi.org/10.14744/eej.2019.80774...
]. However, the use of PUI is limited in canals with complex anatomies, considering that direct physical contact of the instrument with walls of the root canal is essential, thereby reducing its cleaning potential [88 Urban K, Donnermeyer D, Schafer E, Burklein S. Canal cleanliness using different irrigation activation systems: a SEM evaluation. Clin Oral Investig. 2017;21(9):2681-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00784-017-2070-x
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-017-2070-...
].

A rotary nickel-titanium file named XP-endo Finisher (XP-FKG Dentaire SA, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) was developed, produced with a highly flexible Martensite-Austenite alloy. The file is straight when cooled (Martensitic phase) and the shape changes on contact (Austenitic phase) based on changes in body temperature. Accordingly, the instrument expands in the last 10 mm, allowing an expansion of 6 mm in diameter or 100 times a file of the corresponding size. According to the manufacturer, this feature aids in removal of the smear layer present in the root canal, even in canals with extremely complex morphologies [99 XP-Endo Finisher Technical Guide [cited 2021 Set 10]. Available from: <https://www.fkg.ch/sites/default/files/FKG_XPendo%20Finisher%20R_IFU_107_EN_FR_DE_WEB_202001.pdf. 2021>.
https://www.fkg.ch/sites/default/files/F...
]. Moreover, the file has been shown to be effective in removing debris [1010 De-Deus G, Belladonna FG, de Siqueira Zuolo A, Perez R, Carvalho MS, Souza EM, et al. Micro-CT comparison of XP-endo Finisher and passive ultrasonic irrigation as final irrigation protocols on the removal of accumulated hard-tissue debris from oval shaped-canals. Clin Oral investig. 2019;23(7):3087-93. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00784-018-2729-y
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-018-2729-...
], filling materials [1111 De-Deus G, Belladonna FG, Zuolo AS, Cavalcante DM, Carvalhal JCA, Simoes-Carvalho M, et al. XP-endo finisher R instrument optimizes the removal of root filling remnants in oval-shaped canals. Int Endod J. 2019;52(6):899-907. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/iej.13077
https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.13077...
], and root canal disinfection [1212 Bedier MM, Hashem AAR, Hassan YM. Improved dentin disinfection by combining different-geometry rotary nickel-titanium files in preparing root canals. Restor Dent Endod. 2018;43(4):e46. http://dx.doi.org/10.5395/rde.2018.43.e46
https://doi.org/10.5395/rde.2018.43.e46...
].

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the XP-endo Finisher (XP) in removal of the smear layer in root canals by comparing different irrigation protocols.

METHODS

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Ceuma University for research on human subjects (CAAE 57876616.1.0000.5084), and the procedures used met the protocols stipulated in the ethical guidelines in the Declaration of Helsinki.

Selection of the specimens and instrumentation

Seventy-two mandibular incisors and single-rooted canines extracted from humans were used in this study. Organic material was removed from the root surface using curettes. The teeth were stored in 0.1% thymol at 4°C and subsequently radiographed in the mesiodistal direction. Teeth with internal resorption, curved roots, presence of diffuse or localized calcification in the root canal, endodontic treatment, and root length less than 13 mm were excluded.

The selected teeth were sectioned at the cemento-enamel junction leaving the specimens with an average length of 13 mm. Longitudinal orientation grooves were made on the external root surface with a diamond disk (Vortex, São Paulo, SP, Brazil), to facilitate subsequent root cleavage. The root apex was sealed with utility wax (NewWax, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil) to prevent leakage of irrigating solution.

Following this, the specimens were fixed with dense condensation silicone (Clonage, DFL, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil) and placed at the center of a metal muffle. Root canal preparation was done using R25 Reciproc files (VDW, Munich, Germany).

The files were driven under reciprocating movement, using VDW Gold engine in Reciproc All mode (VDW, Munich, Germany). The working length (WL) was determined at 1 mm short of the apical foramen. The canals were irrigated with 5 mL of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite during instrumentation. Irrigation was performed 2 mm short of the WL using 30G needles with side and apical opening (Navitip, Ultradent, South Jordan, UT, USA) attached to the luer lock type disposable syringe, followed by aspiration with suction cannula.

Irrigant activation protocols

After instrumentation and drying of the root canals with absorbent paper tips, the teeth were randomly allocated into five experimental groups and one control group (n=12 specimens/group). No final irrigation procedure was performed in the control group, and the specimens were only instrumented and dried. The other groups were submitted to the final irrigation by changing the irrigant (17% EDTA - Biodinâmica, Ibiporã, Paraná, Brazil, or distilled water - DW) and the irrigant activation technique (manual agitation, PUI, or XP) giving rise to the five experimental groups: EDTA/File, EDTA/XP, EDTA/PUI, Distilled water/XP, and Distilled water /PUI.

For the agitation technique using files, the irrigants were injected into the root canal using 30G needles 1 mm short of the WL. Manual agitation was performed with a K-File #20 (Dentsply, Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) for 3 min with up and down movements, without touching the walls of the root canal. The root canals were irrigated with 2.5 mL EDTA solution before and after agitation with the file.

PUI was performed with a 21 mm IrriSafeTM instrument (IrriSafeTM # 20, taper 00 - IrriSafe, Acteon, Merignac, France), driven by an EMS PM100 ultrasound unit (EMS Company, Nyon, Switzerland). The instrument was introduced 2 mm short of CT with upward and downward movements for 20 s, without touching the dentin walls. After aspiration of the solution, the protocol was repeated two more times, using a total of 5 mL of the solution, during an activation time of 60 s, divided into three cycles of 20 s each.

To use the XP-endo Finisher, it was attached to a contra-angle dental handpiece (VDW GmbH) and cooled (Endo-Frost; Roeko, Lanhenau, Germany), as recommended by the manufacturer. The root canal was filled with 1 mL of the irrigant according to the group. The XP was inserted into the root canal and activated in slow longitudinal movements (800 rpm, 1 Ncm torque) for 60 s until the WL was reached. The instrument was removed, and the root canal was irrigated with 4 mL of the irrigating solution.

After the final irrigation protocols, irrigants were aspirated using capillary tips (Ultradent, São Paulo, Brazil) and the root canals were dried with absorbent paper tips. Subsequently, the specimens were stored in Eppendorf tubes.

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Analyses

The teeth were cleaved in two sections using a chisel inserted in the previously made longitudinal grooves (SS White Duflex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). For each sample, one section was randomly selected and the other was discarded. Each specimen was coated with gold (Desk II, Denton Vacuum, Moorestown, NJ, USA) and evaluated under a SEM (JSM5410, Jeol Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) by an examiner blinded to the group to which each sample belonged, and who selected a representative image for each third.

The smear layer was evaluated on representative images of the apical, middle, and cervical thirds of each specimen under 1000× magnification.

The images were analyzed by two blinded examiners, previously calibrated and evaluated by the intra and inter-examiner Kappa test.

The presence of smear layer was evaluated based on the scores previously reported by Nelson-Filho et al. [1313 Nelson-Filho P, Leite GA, Fernandes PM, da Silva RA, Rueda JC. Efficacy of SmearClear and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid for smear layer removal in primary teeth. J Dent Child. 2009;76(1):74-7.].

Score 0 - Surface free of debris and visible openings of fully exposed dentinal tubules;

Score 1 - Root surface partially covered with debris;

Score 2 - Root surface completely covered with debris, without visible openings of the dentinal tubules.

Statistical Analyses

Smear layer removal scores in the experimental groups were analyzed in each third by the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test, followed by two-by-two comparison analysis using the Dunn test. The data were imported to the statistical software SPSS 26.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) for statistical analyses (α>0.05).

RESULTS

The result of the Kappa test for intra-examiner reliability ranged from 0.679 to 1.

The smear layer scores of the different groups are presented in table 1. Figure 1 shows the percentage values of each score in the groups. Figure 2 shows representative MEV of each group, in the cervical, middle, and apical thirds of the root canal.

Table 1
Median value ranking (Mean rank) of the scores in the groups evaluated.
Figure 1
Percentage values of each score in the groups based on the root thirds evaluated.
Figure 2
SEM at 1000× in the cervical (C), middle (M), and apical (A) thirds that represent the root surfaces in the control, DW/XP, DW/PUI, EDTA/PUI, EDTA/XP, and EDTA/File group samples.

EDTA/File, EDTA/PUI, and EDTA/XP groups demonstrated significantly lower scores than the other groups (P<0.05) in all thirds evaluated, with no significant difference between them (P>0.05). No significant difference was observed between the groups in which distilled water was used and the control group in all thirds evaluated (P> 0.05).

DISCUSSION

In this study, the effectiveness of the XP-endo Finisher instrument in removal of the smear layer in root canals after biomechanical preparation was compared with different irrigation protocols using SEM. SEM is a valuable tool in assessment of the cleanliness of the root canal wall, since it allows numerical evaluation of the smear layer [1414 Leoni GB, Versiani MA, Silva-Sousa YT, Bruniera JF, Pecora JD, Sousa-Neto MD. Ex vivo evaluation of four final irrigation protocols on the removal of hard-tissue debris from the mesial root canal system of mandibular first molars. Int Endod J. 2017;50(4):398-406. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/iej.12630
https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.12630...
].

Given its bactericidal effect, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is the most commonly used irrigating solution in endodontics. However, it is ineffective in the removal of the smear layer [1515 Yang G, Wu H, Zheng Y, Zhang H, Li H, Zhou X. Scanning electron microscopic evaluation of debris and smear layer remaining following use of ProTaper and Hero Shaper instruments in combination with NaOCl and EDTA irrigation. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2008;106(4):e63-71. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tripleo.2008.04.032
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tripleo.2008.0...
]. Thus, EDTA has been recommended and subjected to different studies to evaluate the efficiency of different concentrations and activation methods. Generally, EDTA is considered as an effective solution in removal of the smear layer during final irrigation [1616 Machado R, Garcia L, da Silva Neto UX, Cruz Filho AMD, Silva RG, Vansan LP. Evaluation of 17% EDTA and 10% citric acid in smear layer removal and tubular dentin sealer penetration. Microsc Res Tech. 2018;81(3):275-82. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jemt.22976
https://doi.org/10.1002/jemt.22976...
].

The smear layer is removed by PUI due to impact of the wave produced against the walls of the root canal, which is the result of the energy of a freely oscillating instrument transmitted to the irrigant inside the root canal. This energy results in an acoustic flow, change in hydrostatic pressure, as well as production of bubbles that explode and increase the temperature and pressure [1717 van der Sluis LW, Vogels MP, Verhaagen B, Macedo R, Wesselink PR. Study on the influence of refreshment/activation cycles and irrigants on mechanical cleaning efficiency during ultrasonic activation of the irrigant. J Endod. 2010;36(4):737-40. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2009.12.004
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2009.12.0...
]. Direct physical contact of the instrument with the walls of the root canal reduces acoustic flow, thus reducing the effects of PUI [88 Urban K, Donnermeyer D, Schafer E, Burklein S. Canal cleanliness using different irrigation activation systems: a SEM evaluation. Clin Oral Investig. 2017;21(9):2681-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00784-017-2070-x
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-017-2070-...
]. Therefore, short activation periods are important for the success of PUI, since they facilitate maintenance of the ultrasound tip at the center of the canal, preventing its contact with the dentin wall. This justifies the choice of the PUI protocol in the present study.

XP has proved to be an efficient instrument for agitation of irrigating solutions. The efficacy of XP can be explained by the small diameter of the instrument (ISO 25, taper zero), made with a highly flexible nickel-titanium alloy to maintain fatigue resistance. In addition, the turbulence provoked results in a large surface area of the canal coming in contact with the irrigating solution, which potentiates better cleaning of the root canals [1212 Bedier MM, Hashem AAR, Hassan YM. Improved dentin disinfection by combining different-geometry rotary nickel-titanium files in preparing root canals. Restor Dent Endod. 2018;43(4):e46. http://dx.doi.org/10.5395/rde.2018.43.e46
https://doi.org/10.5395/rde.2018.43.e46...
]. Currently, the XP instrument is one of the alternatives to potentiate the effect of irrigating solutions [1818 Zand V, Mokhtari H, Reyhani MF, Nahavandizadeh N, Azimi S. Smear layer removal evaluation of different protocol of Bio Race file and XP- endo Finisher file in corporation with EDTA 17% and NaOCl. J Clin Exp Dent. 2017;9(11):e1310-e4. http://dx.doi.org/10.4317/jced.54179
https://doi.org/10.4317/jced.54179...
,1919 Pacheco-Yanes J, Provenzano JC, Marceliano-Alves MF, Gazzaneo I, Perez AR, Goncalves LS, et al. Distribution of sodium hypochlorite throughout the mesial root canal system of mandibular molars after adjunctive irrigant activation procedures: a micro-computed tomographic study. Clin Oral Investig. 2020;24(2):907-14. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00784-019-02970-5
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-019-02970...
], enabling the removal of calcium hydroxide [2020 Wigler R, Dvir R, Weisman A, Matalon S, Kfir A. Efficacy of XP-endo finisher files in the removal of calcium hydroxide paste from artificial standardized grooves in the apical third of oval root canals. Int Endod J. 2017;50(7):700-5. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/iej.12668
https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.12668...
,2121 Hamdan R, Michetti J, Pinchon D, Diemer F, Georgelin-Gurgel M. The XP-Endo Finisher for the removal of calcium hydroxide paste from root canals and from the apical third. J Clin Exp Dent. 2017;9(7):e855-e60. http://dx.doi.org/10.4317/jced.53962
https://doi.org/10.4317/jced.53962...
] and root canal filling materials [1111 De-Deus G, Belladonna FG, Zuolo AS, Cavalcante DM, Carvalhal JCA, Simoes-Carvalho M, et al. XP-endo finisher R instrument optimizes the removal of root filling remnants in oval-shaped canals. Int Endod J. 2019;52(6):899-907. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/iej.13077
https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.13077...
,2222 Kapasi K, Kesharani P, Kansara P, Patil D, Kansara T, Sheth S. In vitro comparative evaluation of efficiency of XP-endo shaper, XP-endo finisher, and XP-endo finisher-R files in terms of residual root filling material, preservation of root dentin, and time during retreatment procedures in oval canals: a cone-beam computed tomography analysis. J Conserv Dent: JCD. 2020;23(2):145-51. http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/JCD.JCD_257_20
https://doi.org/10.4103/JCD.JCD_257_20...
,2323 Crozeta BM, Lopes FC, Menezes Silva R, Silva-Sousa YTC, Moretti LF, Sousa-Neto MD. Retreatability of BC Sealer and AH Plus root canal sealers using new supplementary instrumentation protocol during non-surgical endodontic retreatment. Clin Oral Investig. 2021;25(3):891-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00784-020-03376-4
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-020-03376...
] and disinfection of root canals [2424 Villalta-Briones N, Baca P, Bravo M, Solana C, Aguado-Perez B, Ruiz-Linares M, et al. A laboratory study of root canal and isthmus disinfection in extracted teeth using various activation methods with a mixture of sodium hypochlorite and etidronic acid. Int Endod J. 2021;54(2):268-78. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/iej.13417
https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.13417...
]. The proposition of this study was to evaluate if XP possesses a synergic effect on the removal of the smear layer. Neither the XP instrument nor the technique of PUI were capable of significantly increasing the removal of the smear layer from the root canals. The results of this study are in agreement with previous study [1818 Zand V, Mokhtari H, Reyhani MF, Nahavandizadeh N, Azimi S. Smear layer removal evaluation of different protocol of Bio Race file and XP- endo Finisher file in corporation with EDTA 17% and NaOCl. J Clin Exp Dent. 2017;9(11):e1310-e4. http://dx.doi.org/10.4317/jced.54179
https://doi.org/10.4317/jced.54179...
], which demonstrated that the most effective protocol for elimination of the smear layer might be related to final irrigation with EDTA solution. Without EDTA, the smear layer was found to cover the root canal surface in the apical, middle, and cervical thirds, regardless of the use of activation methods. Moreover, Alakshar et al. [2525 Alakshar A, Saleh ARM, Gorduysus MO. Debris and smear layer removal from oval root canals comparing xp-endo finisher, endoactivator, and manual irrigation: a SEM evaluation. Eur J Dent. 2020;14(4):626-33. http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1714762
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1714762...
] demonstrated that the use of XP in an irrigation protocol failed to achieve a dentine surface free from debris in the apical portion of the majority of root canals. Similarly, Azimian et al. [2626 Azimian S, Bakhtiar H, Azimi S, Esnaashari E. In vitro effect of XP-Endo finisher on the amount of residual debris and smear layer on the root canal walls. Dent Res J (Isfahan). 2019;16(3):179-84.] showed that XP fared no better than the standard protocol (EDTA + NaOCl) with the removal of debris and smear layer. In view of this, there is no justification for increasing the clinical arsenal with an instrument that has not proved effective in the removal of the smear layer.

Straight canals were considered in the present study, wherein XP demonstrated results similar to PUI and manual agitation with a file in removal of the smear layer. However, other studies have demonstrated significant positive results of XP in canals with more complex anatomies as an adjuvant in the removal of obturating materials [1111 De-Deus G, Belladonna FG, Zuolo AS, Cavalcante DM, Carvalhal JCA, Simoes-Carvalho M, et al. XP-endo finisher R instrument optimizes the removal of root filling remnants in oval-shaped canals. Int Endod J. 2019;52(6):899-907. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/iej.13077
https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.13077...
], and has been associated with lower levels of accumulated debris compared to conventional irrigation [2727 Elnaghy AM, Mandorah A, Elsaka SE. Effectiveness of XP-endo finisher, EndoActivator, and file agitation on debris and smear layer removal in curved root canals: a comparative study. Odontology. 2017;105(2):178-83. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10266-016-0251-8
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10266-016-0251-...
].

Satisfactory cleaning of the walls was not achieved in some cases, despite better scores in the groups where EDTA was used. Similar findings were reported in a study, which highlighted the need for advancement in the search for protocols to achieve better results [77 Marques AC, Aguiar BA, Frota LM, Guimaraes BM, Vivacqua-Gomes N, Vivan RR, et al. Evaluation of influence of widening apical preparation of root canals on efficiency of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid agitation protocols: study by scanning electron microscopy. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2018;19(9):1087-94.].

CONCLUSION

The XP-endo Finisher instrument did not increase the efficiency of EDTA in removal of the smear layer in straight root canals compared to PUI and manual agitation with endodontic hand files.

How to cite this article

  • Pereira SM, Carvalho CN, Tavarez RR, Nelson-Filho P, Silva LAB, Maia Filho EM. Ex vivo evaluation of the effectiveness of XP-endo Finisher on the removal of smear layer from the root canal. RGO, Rev Gaúch Odontol. 2022;70:e20220057. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1981-863720200005720210021

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Edited by

Assistant editor: Fabiana Mantovani Gomes França

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    21 Nov 2022
  • Date of issue
    2022

History

  • Received
    26 Mar 2021
  • Reviewed
    22 Nov 2021
  • Accepted
    21 Dec 2021
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