DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/3A6N-4J09
Defense Date
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Dentistry
Department
Dentistry
First Advisor
Ana Cristina Andrada
Second Advisor
Frederica Mackert
Third Advisor
Caroline Carrico
Fourth Advisor
Garry Myers
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to compare the intracanal smear layer removal ability of two adjunctive irrigation modalities: the AdvErL EVO laser, the GentleWave® Procedure, and their combination, after minimally invasive canal instrumentation.
Methods: Forty molars were accessed, the mesiobuccal canals of maxillary and mandibular molars were prepared up to apical size 25.04 using rotary instrumentation, then irrigated using: conventional needle irrigation (CNI), laser-assisted irrigation (LAI), the GentleWave® Procedure (GWP), and LAI followed by GWP (LAI+GWP). The teeth were then decoronated and split longitudinally. One-half of each root was selected for preparation and analysis under scanning electron microscope. Blinded evaluators rated the randomized images on a 4-point scale. Interrater agreement was assessed using Kappa statistic. Nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used to test for associations between the rating and the irrigation method. Post hoc pairwise comparisons were assessed using the Dwass, Steel, Critchlow-Flinger method.
Results: The median rating for CNI = 4, LAI = 3, GWP = 2, LAI+GWP = 1.5. The latter three groups resulted in more smear layer removal than conventional needle irrigation, but there was no statistical significance among them (p< 0.05).
Conclusion: There was no difference between the AdvErL EVO laser, the GentleWave® Procedure, and their combination, in smear layer removing ability. They all outperformed conventional needle irrigation.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-5-2025