Removal of smear layer in the root canal using electrolyzed saline

Background: Sodium hypochlorite has been vastly used as root canal irrigant but its toxicity and storage risks are of concern. There has been a constant search for the ideal root canal irrigant. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate electrolyzed saline, produced from a custom-made chair side apparatus for its smear layer removal efficiency on root canal walls and compare it with the commercially available agents- EDTA and MTAD. Methods: A chair side apparatus has been designed to produce and dispense electrolytically activated solutions (Electrolyzed saline) for the purpose of root canal irrigation. Two different solutions, one, which is oxidizing in nature, consisting primarily of Chlorine derivatives and another, reducing in nature, consisting primarily of sodium hydroxide, are obtained. A combination of these two solutions was used for root canal irrigation in extracted teeth. The other test agents included 3% NaOCl, 3% NaOCl alternated with 17% EDTA, Electrolyzed saline alternated with 17%EDTA and MTAD. Root canals were split and the samples were subjected to Scanning electron microscopic evaluation. Results: Under the conditions of this study, Electrolyzed saline significantly cleaned the root canal surfaces and the results were comparable to EDTA as well as MTAD. Alternating Electrolyzed saline with 17% EDTA irrigation showed similar smear layer removal efficacy. The cleaning efficacy of Electrolyzed saline was significantly better than 3% Sodium hypochlorite. Conclusions: Under the conditions of this study, the smear layer removal efficacy of Electrolyzed saline was significantly better than 3% NaOCl. There was no significant difference for smear layer scores when compared with the remaining groups (Sodium hypochlorite (3%) +EDTA , Electrolyzed saline +EDTA and MTAD)