Marina Fernandes

Recent Advances in Root Canal Irrigation Techniques Marina Fernandes

The effectiveness of irrigation relies on both the mechanical flushing action and the ability of irrigants to dissolve tissue. The flushing action of irrigants helps to remove organic dentinal debris and microorganisms from the canal. The success of endodontic treatment depends on the eradication of microbes from the root canal system and prevention of reinfection. The root canal is shaped with hand and rotary instruments under constant irrigation to remove the inflamed and necrotic tissue, microbes/ biofilms, and other debris from the root canal space. The main goal of instrumentation is to facilitate effective irrigation, disinfection and filling. Indeed, it has been suggested that the flushing action may be more important than the ability to dissolve tissue. Irrigation of the root canal with antibacterial solutions is considered an essential part of chemo-mechanical preparation. Irrigation is complementary to instrumentation in facilitating removal of bacteria, debris and necrotic tissue, especially from areas of the root canal that remain unprepared by mechanical instrumentation.