Efficacy of Active Irrigation Techniques in Smear Layer Removal after Reciprocating Instrumentation

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of three irrigation techniques—Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI), Endoactivator, and non-activated irrigation—in removing the smear layer from mandibular premolars. Forty-two teeth were instrumented and randomly assigned to the three groups, and smear layer removal was assessed using SEM. PUI demonstrated the highest effectiveness, particularly in the coronal third of the root canal. The Endoactivator system showed moderate results, while non-activated irrigation was the least effective, especially in the apical third. Overall, PUI was the most efficient method for smear layer removal compared to the other techniques.