Comparison of different agitation methods for the removal of calcium hydroxide from the root canal: Scanning electron microscopy study.

Aim: This ex vivo study compared the efficiency of different irrigations systems to remove calcium hydroxide from root canal walls, especially from the apical third by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Materials And Methods: Eighty-four single-rooted teeth were divided into 4 groups of 20 teeth each, according to different irrigation protocols using a 30-gauge slot-tipped needle, ultrasonic irrigation system, erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser (Er: YAG) laser, and EndoVac system. The rest 4 teeth were used as control groups (2 positive and 2 negative control groups).