Renata Vale Albino de OLIVEIRA, Samilla Dos Santos Gonçalves MONTEIRO, Eduardo AKISUE, Danilo Gomes ROCHA, Amanda Brito SANTOS, Hermano Camelo PAIVA, Nilton Vivacqua GOMES, George Táccio De Miranda CANDEIRO
European Endodontic Journal - 2026;11(2):63-67
Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the disinfection of root canals contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) using different complementary activation devices post instrumentation. Methods: Sixty-two one-root human mandibular premolars were filled with a culture of E. faecalis, for 21 days. The specimens were prepared with Reciproc R25 files to a working length of 1 mm short of the apical foramen. Microbiological samples were collected with absorbent paper cones before and after preparation (S0 and S1, respectively). Afterward, the specimens were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups: Ultrasonics (US), XP-Endo Finisher (XP), and Easy Clean (EC). Each complementary device was kept at working length and was activated for 1 minute, followed by irrigation with 12 mL of saline. Microbiological samples (S2) were collected after activation with the devices US, XP , and EC. Data from the microbial reductions (in CFU x mL0-1) were submitted to the Kruskal-Wallis and 5% Dunn tests. Results: The root canal preparation with R25 instruments promoted a large microbial reduction in all groups (P < .05). The use of activation devices significantly reduced the amount of microorganisms (P < .05); however, there was no significant difference among activation devices. Conclusion: It was concluded that the use of complementary activation devices US, XP , and EC significantly improved the disinfection of the root canals when compared to conventional irrigation.
