Extrusão apical do irrigante usando diferentes tipos de agulha de irrigação

Abstract

Introduction: Endodontic treatment (ET) can be defined as a common procedure used by dental professionals with the aim of treating infections of the tooth’s root pulp. The success of this type of treatment is directly related to infection control, which involves cleaning and disinfecting the root canal (RC) using instruments and irrigating solutions. Irrigation represents a crucial step in endodontics for disinfecting bacteria and removing the smear layer with maximum safety, while avoiding apical extrusion. Several irrigation strategies have been proposed, although their effects on apical extrusion of the irrigant remain controversial. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of endodontic irrigation needles in the apical extrusion of the irrigant by comparing three different irrigation systems. Materials and Methods: Thirty 3D-printed mandibular molar teeth made of resin (n=10 per group) were used, formulated with hydrogel to simulate tissue and artificial biofilm and embedded in a cube made of the same material, allowing for visualization of irrigant apical extrusion. The samples were divided into three distinct needle types: (A), (B), and (C). Pre and post irrigation images obtained via CBCT were compared and quantitatively evaluated based on volume and area in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes, which indicated the presence or absence of apical extrusion. Results/Discussion: The results varied between groups depending on the characteristics of each needle. This study indicates that the type of needle significantly affects the apical extrusion of the irrigant during endodontic irrigation. Conclusion: The combination of two irrigation systems – a pressurized system (conventional or positive), using the closed-end IrriFlex needle made of flexible polyethylene with dual lateral vents, and the negative pressure irrigation system EndoVac – proved to be the most effective in ensuring the safety of apical irrigant extrusion.

Date of Award	7 Jul 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Rita Noites (Supervisor) & Miguel Cardoso (Co-Supervisor)