Summary
The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of three different file systems to mechanically remove a mature multispecies anaerobic biofilm. Roots of fifteen extracted molars were used to develop a multispecies anaerobic biofilm. Root canals were prepared at working length using the following instrumentation systems: Reciproc® blue, W aveOne® Gold, XP-endo® Shaper and ReadysteelTM K-Flexofile. Three samples were left without any preparation (control group). Bacterial viability was determined using a LIVE/DEAD® Kit. Two- and three-dimensional images of the apical third were obtained using confocal laser microscopy and further analyzed with the IMARIS software. The relative biofilm removal after instrumentation was determined. Data were analyzed with a Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test and pairwise comparisons (p <0.05). The 2D analysis revealed a significantly higher bacterial reduction for Reciproc® blue treated roots compared to manual instrumentation. However, no differences were observed between mechanized systems. Manual instrumentation (ReadysteelTM K-Flexofile) displayed the lowest bacterial reduction among all systems. Although none of the instrumentation systems used were able to completely remove the bacterial biofilm from the apical third of the root canals, the results tend to point that the Reciproc® blue system allows a greater reduction of residual bacteria from the root canal surface.
KEY WORDS: Biofilms, Endodontics, root canal preparation, confocal microscopy.
How to cite this article
ARANÍS, J.; ALARCÓN, F.; JEREZ-OLATE, C.; PONCE, E.; ALCÁNTARA-DUFEU, R.; REBOLLEDO, S. & SÁNCHEZ- SANHUEZA, G. Comparative evaluation of mechanical biofilm removal by different root canal instrumentation systems using confocal laser microscopy. Int. J. Odontostomat., 19(4):447-453, 2025.