Efficacy of different irrigation methods on dentinal tubule penetration of Chlorhexidine, QMix and Irritrol: A confocal laser scanning microscopy study.

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the percentage of penetration of three final irrigant into the dentinal tubules after application of several irrigation techniques. Mandibular premolars were divided into nine groups (n:10): chlorhexidine (CHX) + conventional syringe irrigation (CI), CHX + EndoActivator (SI), CHX + Er,Cr:YSGG laser (LAI), QMix + CI, QMix + SI, QMix + LAI, Irritrol + CI, Irritrol + SI and Irritrol + LAI. Following irrigation, all roots were horizontally sectioned at 2 mm and 5 mm from the apex and examined using a confocal laser scanning microscopy. QMix exhibited a significantly higher penetration percentage than CHX at the apical section (P < 0.05). In the Irritrol group, SI displayed a significantly higher penetration area than CI in the middle section. Statistically significant differences were also determined between middle and apical section (P < 0.05). Use of QMix with different agitation technique seems advantageous in dentinal tubule penetration.