A Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Based Evaluation of Effectiveness of Chloroquick, 7% Maleic Acid, and Conventional Multistep Irrigating Solutions with Passive Ultrasonics in Removal of Root Canal Smear Layer

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of three different irrigation solutions, namely Chloroquick, maleic acid, and a multi-step irrigation solution when used in combination with ultrasonics for the removal of smear layers in endodontic procedures. Materials and Methods: Sixty single-rooted teeth that had been freshly extracted were gathered, disinfected, and stored in distilled water. To ensure uniform root length, each tooth was coronally removed below the Cementoenamel Junction (CEJ). The working length was meticulously determined, and F3 Protaper rotary files were employed for the biomechanical preparation of the root canals. Subsequently, the teeth were randomly assigned to one of three groups for the irrigation process: Group A (Chloroquick), Group B (Maleic Acid 7%), and Group C (Multistep Irrigation approach). Following the preparation, longitudinal sections of the specimens were obtained and examined under a scanning electron microscope. The obtained results were then subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Group A demonstrated superior performance in terms of smear layer and debris elimination within all root canal thirds. Statistically, there was no significant distinction between Group C and B, both of which proved equally effective. Conclusion: Chloroquick emerged as a highly efficient alternative to maleic acid and the traditional multistep irrigants commonly employed in endodontic procedures. The incorporation of ultrasonic agitation as a complementary technique significantly enhanced the efficacy of all three irrigants.