Endodontic Irrigation

Abstract

Root canal irrigation is crucial in endodontic treatment. The actions of an irrigant include rinsing of debris in the root canal, penetrating into areas inaccessible to instruments thereby extending the cleaning process, lubrication of the root canal, reduction of friction between the instrument and dentine, temperature control, dissolution of organic and inorganic matter, removing the smear layer and antibacterial effect. The functions of irrigation may vary according to the irrigant used. No single irrigant can accomplish all the tasks required. Sodium hypochlorite is the most commonly used irrigating solution. It is a potent antimi-crobial agent and also effectively dissolves organic matter. So it should be used as the main irrigating solution throughout the instrumentation phase. However sodium hypochlorite is unable to dissolve inor-ganic matter, irrigants such as EDTA, citric acid, QMiX, MTAD and Tetraclean will be needed to remove the smear layer completely. Different means of delivery are used for root canal irrigation. Conventional needle irrigation is the most common technique for introducing irrigant into canals. However this classic approach typically results in suboptimal irrigation. Several new irrigating devices and techniques have been developed to improve the penetration and effectiveness of irrigation. Use of correct irrigants and proper irrigating devices and techniques facilitate safe and effective irrigation. This article describes the character-istics and means of delivery of irrigants that are contemporary used in endodontics to provide information on the most recent developments for optimal irrigation.