Smear layer removal with passive ultrasonic irrigation and the NaviTip FX: a scanning electron microscopic study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of continuous, intermittent passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and active scrubbing of irrigants with NaviTip FX (Ultradent, South Jordan, UT) in removing smear layer.

Study Design: Forty single-rooted teeth were randomly divided into 5 test groups and subjected to final irrigation with 17% EDTA followed by 2.5% NaOCl for 1 minute each using different activation methods: no activation (control), brushing with NaviTip FX, continuous PUI with irrigant delivered at pulp chamber, continuous PUI with irrigant delivered through the ultrasonic unit, and intermittent PUI.

Papillon-Lefevre syndrome: two case reports.

Papillon-Lefevre syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder in which there is palmoplantar keratinization and premature loss of both deciduous and permanent teeth. The palmoplantar keratoderma typically has its onset between the ages of 1 and 4 years and severe periodontitis starts at the age of 3 or 4 years. An early diagnosis of the syndrome can help preserve the teeth by early institution of treatment, using a multidisciplinary approach.