Comparative Evaluation of Effect of Ultrasonic Agitation on EDTA and Chitosan on Smear Layer Removal from Root Dentin: An in Vitro SEM Study

This study compared efficacy of ultrasonic agitation with EDTA and Chitosan on smear layer removal from root canal walls.60 extracted teeth randomly distributed into 5 groups, prepared by using Profile rotary instruments and subjected to different final regimens; group 1 - NaOCl, group 2 EDTA, group 3 EDTA + Ultrasonic agitation, group 4 Chitosan and group 5 Chitosan + Ultrasonic agitation. Samples were examined under the scanning electron microscope. Statistical analysis showed that group 1 was not able to remove the smear layer. Group 3 and 5 performed significantly better than group 2 and 4. This study advocates that integration of ultrasonics with EDTA and Chitosan might prove beneficial in increasing the ability of EDTA and Chitosan to remove the smear layer.