Analysis of the Effectiveness of Different Endodontic Irrigation Techniques in Smear Layer Removal: Literature Review

One of the main objectives of endodontic treatment is the decontamination of root canal systems. The removal of the smear layer is important, as it acts as a barrier, interfering in the diffusion of antimicrobial agents and in the adequacy between the filling materials and the canal walls. In this way, different irrigation techniques and devices have emerged to increase chemical disinfection and improve cleaning after mechanical instrumentation. The main objective of the present study was to analyze the effectiveness of different endodontic irrigation techniques in removing smear layer. As an inclusion criterion, articles from the PubMed and Google Scholar database were used. In PubMed, 397 articles were found, 10 were selected and in Google Scholar, 857 articles were found, 11 of which were selected for the research. . Thus, a final sample of 21 articles inserted in the work was obtained. It is concluded that all endodontic irrigation techniques removed more smear layer compared to conventional irrigation, but none was able to remove it entirely. Further laboratory and clinical studies are needed to prove the effectiveness of removing this layer with the standardization of clinical protocol.