Influence of the ultrasonic activation of irrigating solutions on sealer penetration into lateral root canals

ABSTRACT Objective: This study analyzed the influence of the irrigating solutions ultrasonic activation on the obturator cement penetration into lateral root canals. Methods: Fifty maxillary molars (palatine root) were randomly assigned to 5 experimental groups (Group 1 (EDTA 17% + manual agitation for 5 minutes), Group 2 (EDTA 17% + ultrasonic activation for 15 seconds), Group 3 (NaOCl 1% + Ultrasonic activation for 15 seconds), Group 4 (EDTA 17% + ultrasonic activation for 15 seconds and NaOCl 1% + ultrasonic activation for 15 seconds) and Group 5 (negative control). The lateral root canals were made in the apical and middle third. The obturation occurred in a single session. The radiographic and microscopic analyzes were performed to evaluate the sealant cement penetration degree. Data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests. Results: Apical and middle third radiographic analysis showed that Groups 2 and 4 presented better penetration of the sealant cement. In the microscopic analysis, Group 4 presented superior results in relation to the other groups in both thirds. In the apical third, radiographic and microscopic analyzes showed significant differences in the comparisons between Group 4 and Groups 5 (p = 0.019) and 3 (p = 0.023) and between Group 5 and Groups 2 (p = 0.012), 3 (P = 0.038) and 4 (p = 0.019), respectively. Conclusion: It was concluded that the ultrasonic activation of the NaOCl 1% + EDTA 17% irrigation solution provides greater penetration of the endodontic cement in lateral root canals.