The aim is to compare the extent of irrigant penetration into root canals up to the working length and in simulated lateral canals after passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and manual dynamic agitation (MDA).

Root canals of 36 single-rooted extracted teeth were shaped using rotary files. Irrigation was done with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and 17% ethylenediaminetetraaceticacid. Teeth were decalcified in 5% nitric acid. Lateral canals were created by inserting 10 K-files and then, the teeth were cleared using methyl salicylate. Samples were randomly divided into three groups of 12 teeth each: Group I — Control, group II — PUI, and group III — MDA. A contrast solution was delivered to the root canals during final irrigation and activation. Specimens were photographed using dental operating microscope, and the mean length of dye penetration was measured.

Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey test, and repeated measures ANOVA. Passive ultrasonic irrigation group showed the highest penetration of the irrigant upto the working length followed by MDA. Manual dynamic agitation and PUI groups had equivocal results in lateral canal irrigation.

Passive ultrasonic irrigation technique is the most effective in delivering the irrigants up to the working length. The effectiveness of PUI and MDA is equivocal in lateral canal irrigation, and hence, MDA can be considered an alternative to PUI, in the case of nonavailability of PUI.

The clinician can consider the use of MDA technique for irrigant agitation in root canals as an alternative to PUI, based on the extent of irrigant penetration.

Khare M, Suprabha BS, Yadav A, Shenoy R, Boaz K, Rao A. Effectiveness of Ultrasonic and Manual Dynamic Agitation Techniques in Irrigant Penetration: An in vitro Study. World J Dent 2017;8(3):207-212.