EFFECTS OF ENDODONTIC SEALERS AND IRRIGATION SYSTEMS ON SMEAR LAYER REMOVAL AFTER POST SPACE PREPARATION EVALUATED AND STUDIED UNDER A SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSOCOPE

*Dr. Sameer Mohideen Gani S., Dr. Ananthakrishna S., Dr. Pradeep P. R., Dr. Yuva Rani P. and Dr. Akshata M. H.

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of five different endodontic sealers with three irrigation methods for smear layer removal after post space preparation, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Materials and Methods: Seventy-five single-rooted extracted teeth were standardized to 15 mm in length. After canal preparation with F5 Pro Taper instruments and 5.25% NaOCl irrigation, the canals were flushed with 17% EDTA. Teeth were divided into five groups based on the sealers used:
1. AH Plus (Epoxy resin-based)
2. Sealapex (Calcium hydroxide-based)
3. Gutta Flow 2
4. MTA Fill apex
5. Metaceraseal (Bioceramic-based)
After obturation, 10 mm of gutta-percha was removed, leaving 5 mm apically intact. Each group was subdivided based on irrigation methods:
• Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI)
• Endovac system (EV)
• Regular Rinse (RR) with 17% EDTA and 2% CHX.
SEM analysis at 1000x magnification evaluated smear layer removal at the middle third of the canals.
Results: AH Plus had the least smear layer residue, making it the easiest to remove, while Metaceraseal had the most remnants. MTA Fillapex, Sealapex, and Gutta Flow performed moderately. PUI was the most effective irrigation method, followed by Endovac, with Regular Rinse being the least effective. Conclusion:
The combination of AH Plus sealer and PUI irrigation was the most effective for smear layer removal. AH Plus offers good flow and easy retrieval, while PUI enhances cleaning through acoustic streaming, making it the optimal protocol for post space preparation.

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