Irrigation solutions in endodontic treatmen

Elimination of pathogens from root canal system is the goal of endodontic treatment. Cleaning and shaping the root canal system is one of the most important steps in root canal therapy. Irrigation during root canal preparation leads to the elimination of microorganisms that cannot be eliminated by physical methods. In addition، the smear layer created during root canal preparation with hand and rotary instruments should be eliminated by irrigants. This review article summarizes the chemistry، biology and procedures for efficient and safe irrigation and presents information on recent developments in root canal irrigants. In addition، it evaluates irrigants from the viewpoint of their effect on microorganisms and the smear layer. Review report: In this review article، studies were obtained and reviewed by running a search in various databases، including reference books، PubMed، ISI Web of Science، Scopus and Google search engine until 2011 using the terms root canal therapy، irrigant، antibacterial، chlorhexidine، smear layer and sodium hypochlorite.

Several materials have been introduced as root canal irrigants. Although sodium hypochlorite is the most routine irrigant during root canal preparation، it has its limitations and disadvantages like other irrigants and is unable to eliminate the smear layer completely. Therefore، no irrigant can provide ideal properties of a suitable irrigant.

Use of two or more irrigants with an appropriate sequence has been recommended to eliminate microorganisms and the smear layer from the root canal system. Use of chlorhexidine as the final irrigant has substantivity properties.