Irrigation Insight: A key to successful endodontics

The root canal anatomy is complex. Therefore a suitable irrigant and irrigant delivery system are essential for efficient irrigation and the success of endodontic therapy. Not only should root canal irrigants be effective for dissolution of the organic component of the dental pulp they must also effectively eliminate bacterial contamination and remove the smear layer—the organic and inorganic layer that is created on the wall of the root canal during instrumentation. The ability to deliver irrigants to the root canal terminus in a safe manner without causing harm to the patient is as important as the efficacy of those irrigants.