Evaluation of Bacterial Microleakage of Root Canals Irrigated with Different Irrigation Solutions and KTP Laser System

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate bacterial microleakage of the root canals irrigated with different irrigation solutions and the potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser system and filled with gutta-percha and AH26 root canal sealer. In addition, the effect of the irrigation solutions on dentin surface was evaluated with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Background data: A few studies have reported that KTP laser has the capacity to remove the smear layer. Many researchers have demonstrated that propolis has a bactericidal effect. Both are important effects on root canal treatments. Materials and methods: One hundred and twenty single-root single-canal mandibular premolar teeth were used for this study. The root canals were prepared by Dentaport Root ZX and ProTaper rotary instruments with the crown-down technique. The specimens were randomly divided into five groups of 20 teeth each. Each group was irrigated with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 20% propolis, 2.5% s...