The efficacy of different irrigation protocols in removing tricalcium silicate‐based sealers from simulated root canal irregularities

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different irrigation protocols in removing two tricalcium silicate‐based sealers from simulated root canal irregularities and root canal walls. Material and methods Root canals of 140 single‐rooted teeth were instrumented. In one‐half of each root, an apical groove was created. The samples were divided into two main groups (n = 70) based on the sealer used. In group 1, the grooves were filled with MTA Fillapex; in group 2, BioRoot RCS. The reassembled root halves were divided into six experimental and one control groups: 2.5% NaOCl‐17% EDTA (Passive ultrasonic irrigation [PUI]), 5% NaOCl/9% DualRinse HEDP (PUI), 2.5% NaOCl‐7% Maleic acid (PUI), 2.5% NaOCl‐17% EDTA (Er:YAG laser activated irrigation [LAI]), 2.5% NaOCl/9% DualRinse HEDP (LAI), 2.5% NaOCl‐7% Maleic acid (LAI), Distilled water (Control). Specimens were scored using SEM. The data were analysed using Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests. Results Maleic acid and DualRinse HEDP removed higher amounts of MTA Fillapex from the grooves compared to EDTA, when used with both activation methods (p