Evaluation of Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation and GentleWave system as adjuvants in endodontic retreatment.

Abstract Introduction Nonsurgical endodontic retreatment continues to be a challenge in endodontics, particularly when dealing with a complex tooth anatomy. This study evaluated the efficacy of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and the GentleWave system as supplementary techniques to remove remaining filling materials from oval-shaped root canals. Methods Twenty distal roots of human mandibular molars with single and oval-shaped canals were shaped with an R40 (40.06) instrument and filled with gutta-percha and AHPlus sealer using warm-vertical obturation. Initial filling material removal was performed with a R50 (50.05) instrument followed by the use of PUI (n=10) or GentleWave system (n=10). Microcomputed tomographic images were obtained after obturation, initial material removal and after the use of PUI and GentleWave. The volume of remaining filling material was calculated for the entire canal as well as for the coronal, middle and apical thirds. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results The use of PUI and GentleWave as supplementary techniques significantly reduced the volume of remaining filling material after initial instrumentation (P Conclusions The use of supplementary techniques optimized filling material removal after initial instrumentation. PUI enhanced the overall cleaning of the root canal system during endodontic retreatment in oval-shaped canals.