Cleaning Effectiveness of EndoActivator Irrigation after Single-File and Multi-File Instrumentation Systems

Objective: To compare cleaning effectiveness of two reciprocating single-file systems with ProTaper rotary instruments after one minute EndoActivator irrigation. Methods: Thirty three extracted human maxillary and mandibular single rooted human teeth were divided into three groups. Canals were prepared to the same apical size (25/.08) using Reciproc (Group I), WaveOne (Group II) or F2 ProTaper (Group III). Then all canals received additional one minute activation by EndoActivator size 25/.04. Roots were split and examined with SEM, the presence of debris and smear layer on coronal, middle and apical thirds was evaluated. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Man-Whitney tests. Results: One minute EndoActivator irrigation after ProTaper instrumentation achieved significantly better results (P < 0.05) than after instrumentation with either WaveOne or Reciproc. No significant differences were obtained comparing instrumentation with Reciproc or WaveOne (P > 0.05). Conclusion: EndoActivator irrigation after a multi-file rotary instrumentation resulted in less debris and smear layer than single-file rotary systems.