Passive ultrasonic irrigation of the root canal: a review of the literature

Abstract

Ultrasonic irrigation of the root canal can be performed with or without simultaneous ultrasonic instrumentation. When canal shaping is not undertaken the term passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) can be used to describe the technique. In this paper the relevant literature on PUI is reviewed from a MEDLINE database search. Passive ultrasonic irrigation can be performed with a small file or smooth wire (size 10-20) oscillating freely in the root canal to induce powerful acoustic microstreaming. PUI can be an important supplement for cleaning the root canal system and, compared with traditional syringe irrigation, it removes more organic tissue, planktonic bacteria and dentine debris from the root canal. PUI is more efficient in cleaning canals than ultrasonic irrigation with simultaneous ultrasonic instrumentation. PUI can be effective in curved canals and a smooth wire can be as effective as a cutting K-file. The taper and the diameter of the root canal were found to be important parameters in determining the efficacies of dentine debris removal. Irrigation with sodium hypochlorite is more effective than with water and ultrasonic irrigation is more effective than sonic irrigation in the removal of dentine debris from the root canal. The role of cavitation during PUI remains inconclusive. No detailed information is available on the influence of the irrigation time, the volume of the irrigant, the penetration depth of the instrument and the shape and material properties of the instrument. The influence of irrigation frequency and intensity on the streaming pattern as well as the complicated interaction of acoustic streaming with the adherent biofilm needs to be clarified to reveal the underlying physical mechanisms of PUI.

Antibacterial action of red and green propolis extract in infected root canal

“…Propolis has been studied due several properties, as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and others [11][12][13][14][15][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33]. The chemical compounds found in propolis showed antimicrobial and tissue tolerance characteristics.…”

“…In this regard, propolis has been investigated for presenting antimicrobial properties, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and others [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24]. Because of its low toxicity, it has been studied as possible intracanal medication [11,12].…”

Bovine Pulp Tissue Dissolution Ability of Irrigants Associated or Not to Ultrasonic Agitation

“…The present results agree with those of Stojicic et al (3) and this effect is attributed to acoustic streaming and cavitation mechanisms. Ultrasonic activation of NaOCl has been advocated because it is claimed to accelerate chemical reactions and promote superior cleaning action (4,22).…”

Endodontic treatment of tooth with morphological anomalies using cone-beam computed tomography

“…It is also important to note that the continued use of chemical agents is an important consideration because of the presence of nascent residual root surfaces. Passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) appears to be an adjunctive treatment for cleaning the root canal system and that PUI is more effective than syringe irrigation [35]. In our cases, non-surgical endodontic treatment based on CBCT diagnosis, ProTaper rotary system, hand instrumentation, PUI technique and periodontal treatment resulted in successful prognosis.…”