Chemical Evaluation of the Apical Extrusion of Sodium Hypochlorite Using the Gentlewave® System

Abstract

A critical component of the safety of an endodontic irrigation protocol is determining whether chemicals are extruded beyond the root canal space. Mandibular molars were suspended in distilled water. Teeth were irrigated with three different methods: side-vented needle irrigation, the GentleWave® system (GWS), and end-vented needle irrigation. The distilled water in which the teeth were suspended was collected and analyzed using spectrophotometry and a pH indicator. The estimated percentage of 3% NaOCl in the distilled water was significantly higher in the GWS compared to the side-vented needle irrigation group. These findings suggest the GWS causes extrusion of NaOCl beyond the apex of mandibular molars; these data also suggest the GWS causes an increased amount of apical extrusion of NaOCl compared to conventional side-vented needle irrigation.