<strong>Introduction</strong>:
The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Easy Clean (Easy Dental Equipment, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil) in continuous rotation and reciprocating motion, passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), Endoactivator systems (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), and conventional irrigation for debris removal from root canals and the isthmus.
<strong>Methods</strong>:
Fifty mesial roots of mandibular molars were embedded in epoxy resin using a metal mold; afterward, the blocks containing the roots were sectioned at 2, 4, and 6 mm from the apex. After instrumentation, the roots were divided into five groups (n = 10) for application of the final irrigation protocol using Easy Clean in continuous rotation, Easy Clean in reciprocating motion, PUI, Endoactivator, and conventional irrigation. Standardized scanning electron microscopy images were taken after instrumentation and after the first, second, and third activations of the irrigant solution to evaluate the area of remaining debris with ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD).
<strong>Results</strong>:
The protocol of three 20-second activations of the irrigant solution provided better cleaning of the canal and isthmus. Upon completion of all procedures, canal analysis showed a statistical difference only at 2 mm, with Easy Clean in continuous rotation more efficient than conventional irrigation (P < .05). After all steps, the greatest difference was observed in the isthmus, where Easy Clean in continuous rotation was more effective than conventional irrigation at all three levels and than the Endoactivator at 4 mm (P < .05). PUI promoted greater cleaning than conventional irrigation at 6 mm (P < .05). There was no statistical difference between Easy Clean in continuous rotation, Easy Clean in reciprocating motion, and PUI (P > .05).
<strong>Conclusions</strong>:
Irrigant activation methods provided better cleaning of the canal and isthmus, especially Easy Clean used in continuous rotation. The protocol of three 20-second activations of the irrigant solution favored superior cleaning. (J Endod 2017;43:326–331).
<strong>Keywords</strong>:
Debris; endodontic irrigation; environmental scanning electron microscopy; reciprocating motion; ultrasonics.
