Comparative Analysis of Conventional, Sonic and Laser Activated Irrigation Methods on Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Roots: An in vitro Study

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effect of different irrigation activation methods on the fracture strength of endodontically treated roots. Methods: Sixty extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars with single canals were used. The specimens were instrumented with ProTaper Next rotary instruments up to size X3 and were randomly split into four groups (n=15) according to final irrigation procedures: Group I: Conventional syringe irrigation with distilled water, Group II: Conventional syringe irrigation with NaOCl and EDTA, Group III: Sonic-activated irrigation with EndoActivator and Group IV: Laser-activated irrigation with Er-Cr: YSGG. Using a single-cone technique, root canals were obturated with gutta-percha and AH Plus root canal sealer. All samples were embedded in self-curing acrylic resin and subjected to axial forces by mechanical compression testing in a universal testing machine at 1 mm/min until fracture occurred. The data were evaluated statistically by using analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) (P < 0.05). Results: Conventional syringe irrigation with distilled water showed the highest mean value of fracture resistance and Laser-activated irrigation with Er, Cr: YSGG showed the lowest mean value of fracture resistance. In general, statistical analyses showed a non-significant difference between all tested groups (P > 0.05).  Conclusions: The fracture resistance of roots treated endodontically was found to be unaffected by different activation methods. However, Laser-activated irrigation with Er-Cr: YSGG resulted in the greatest reduction of fracture resistance in comparison to the other groups.