Smear Layer Removal Efficacy of Custom Made Water Pik Power Flosser as an Irrigant Activating Device

Context: The aim of the present study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of different irrigant activation systems on smear layer removal in the apical third of root canal dentin. Irrigant activation systems used in this study are endoactivator, intra canal brush and modified tip of an interdental waterpik power flosser and conventional syringe irrigation. Aims: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of different irrigant activation systems on smear layer removal in the apical third of root canal dentin Methods and Material: 40 single rooted teeth were used in the study. They were decoronated to a standard length of 15mm and were instrumented up to protaper F2. The samples were divided into 4 groups according to the irrigant activation systems and the final irrigation was done with calsept EDTA. The analysis of the root canal dentin at the apical third was performed with scanning electron microscope Statistical analysis used: The results of this study are statistically significant and pair wise comparison was done using Mann Whitney U-Test. Results: Endoactivator significantly removed more smear layer when compared to the other irrigant activation systems. Custom made tip was more or less comparable to endoactivator. Conventional syringe activation failed to remove the smear layer completely Conclusions: Sonic irrigation through endoactivator system and custom made tip of a water pik power flosser resulted in better removal of smear layer when calsept EDTA was used as a final irrigant than the conventional syringe irrigation