COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF SMEAR LAYER REMOVAL USING EDTA, PASSIVE ULTRASONIC IRRIGATION & DIODE LASER: A SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of smear layer removal from the root canals using EDTA, passive ultrasonic irrigation , diode laser during endodontic therapy. Materials and method: 30 extracted human mandibular first premolar teeth were selected. Access cavity preparation was done. Working length was determined Instrumentation was initiated with ISO hand files no. 15 k file upto 20 k file followed by protaper rotary files upto size F3. 2ml NaOcl was used as an irrigant after every instrumentation followed by a rinse with 3ml of distilled water. Samples were divided into three groups (group I-EDTA+PUI, group II- EDTA+DIODE LASER, group III- EDTA+DIODE LASER+ PUI). Samples were divided longitudinally. Scanning electron microscope examination of canals was done for remaining smear layer at apical third levels. Result: Combination of diode laser and ultrasonics with EDTA had the least smear layer scores. Conclusion: The combination of diode laser and passive ultrasonic irrigation showed the best result in removal of smear layer.