Efficacy of XP-Endo Finisher and Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation on Modified Triple Antibiotic Paste Removal

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare conventional needle irrigation (CNI), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and XP-endo Finisher (XPF) techniques in terms of modified triple antibiotic paste (mTAP) removal. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 mandibular premolars were instrumented to a size F3 file. A mixture of mTAP was prepared by mixing 3 antibiotics, including 250 mg ciprofloxacin, 250 mg metronidazole, and 150 mg clindamycin, with 1 ml distilled water and applied into the root canals. The teeth were allocated into 3 equal groups, irrigation/agitation was performed and teeth were divided into two halves. The removal of mTAP was evaluated with a scanning electron microscope by using the 4 grade scoring system. Results: In the apical thirds, significant difference was found between PUI and CNI groups (p 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between all groups in the middle third. In the coronal thirds, XPF removed significantly more mTAP than the CNI group (p 0.05). Conclusions: Passive ultrasonic irrigation and XPF file agitation demonstrated superior efficacy in removing mTAP from root canals compared to CNI.