Comparative Study of the Extent of Penetration of the Irrigant in the Dentinal Tubules and Removal of Smear Layer Using Ultrasonic Activation and XP-Endo Finisher® File. An ex vivo Study

It is now proven that ultrasonic irrigation effectively removes tissue debris, bacteria and smear layer in root canals. An anatomical finishing file, XP-endo Finisher® (FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de Fonds, Switzerland), was recently introduced with the intention of improving the root canal disinfection process. The results of this study will allow us to know the capabilities and shortcomings of two current techniques for activating irrigation solutions. Therefore, in this study, these two activation systems (ultrasonic and XP-endo Finisher®) were compared in terms of the extent of tubular penetration of the irrigant and the removal of smear layer. 42 newly extracted, single-canal permanent dental organs were instrumented and irrigated with 5.25 % sodium hypochlorite and divided into three groups of 14 dental organs each: G1 (control group) with conventional manual irrigation, G2 (Xp-endo Finisher®) and G3 (ultrasonic irrigation). From each group, 7 dental organs were analyzed with confocal microscopy to observe fluorescence in the penetration of the irrigant and 7 dental organs were prepared for observation under a scanning electron microscope to observe the presence of smear layer in the apical third. The images were analyzed by 2 independent examiners in cecum (endodontic specialists). Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS statistical package version 22.0 and Statgraphics Centurion. To determine whether there are differences between the experimental groups and the control group, the ANOVA statistical test with its respective statistical significance (p≤ 05) and the post hoc multiple range test. Group 2 (Xp-endo Finisher®) obtained the greatest extent of penetration of the irrigant in the dentinal tubules and the highest smear layer removal, followed by ultrasonic irrigation and conventional irrigation, with statistically significant differences between them. By showing the greater volume of penetration of the irrigant in the dentinal tubules and a greater removal of smear layer in the canals activated with the XP-endo Finisher® system, it is proposed as a tool that will favor the prognosis of endodontic treatment.

KEY WORDS: Irrigation, ultrasonic activation, smear layer, dentinal tubules.

ENSEÑAT, V. A.; BERTHEAU SOLIS, S. L.; VAILLARD JIMÉNEZ, E.; MARTÍNEZ GUERRERO, A. G. & REYES CERVANTES, E. Comparative study of the extent of penetration of the irrigant in the dentinal tubules and removal of smear layer using ultrasonic activation and XP-Endo Finisher® File. An ex vivo study. Int. J. Odontostomat., 19(3):291-303, 2025.