Effectiveness of Contemporary Irrigation Protocols in Paediatric Root Canal Treatment

Abstract

Background: Successful paediatric root canal therapy requires not only mechanical instrumentation, but also excellent irrigation procedures that can disinfect complicated canal architecture while staying safe for young patients. Contemporary irrigation techniques and solutions have been developed to improve antibacterial effectiveness and smear layer removal while minimizing cytotoxicity.

Objectives: To assess and compare the efficacy of current irrigation regimens for paediatric root canal therapy in terms of microbial reduction, canal cleanliness, postoperative discomfort, and clinical outcome.

Materials and Methods: A comparative clinical study included ninety primary and immature permanent teeth that required pulpectomy or root canal surgery. Based on irrigation methods, teeth were separated into three groups: classic syringe irrigation with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), NaOCl with EDTA as an adjuvant, and NaOCl activated using a contemporary agitation device. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were assessed over a six-month period.

Results: When compared to traditional syringe irrigation, contemporary activation-based irrigation approaches demonstrated significantly greater microbial reduction and canal cleanliness. The groups that employed activated irrigation had higher clinical success rates and lower postoperative pain scores.

Conclusion: Contemporary irrigation technologies in paediatric root canal therapy significantly improve disinfection and therapeutic outcomes, and they may be considered superior to conventional methods.