Introduction: Successful treatment of a root canal aims for removal of microorganisms from the canal. Therefore, intraradicular removal of the smear layer is a remarkable measure for long-established endodontic success.
Aim of the study: to assess Alizarin dye penetration into dentinal tubules following Q-Mix, apple vinegar, and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) under confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Materials and method: Thirty extracted single-canaled mandibular premolars went through decoronating to 15 mm length to undergo cleaning and instrumentation. Then, they were allocated at random into three groups based on the final rinse used: Group I: 10 ml of 17% EDTA for 1 minute, Group II: 10 ml of apple vinegar for 1 minute, and Group III: 10 ml Q-MIX for 1 minute. All root canals were irrigated by 5ml Sodium hypochlorite labeled with Alizarin red. Samples were horizontally sectioned and evaluated under CLSM at distinct canal levels. Data were analyzed using (Kruskal Wallis and Friedman's) Tests.
Results: The three tested groups showed no statistically significant difference with p> 0.05. Regarding the coronal and middle thirds of EDTA, ACV, and Q-Mix groups, most of the specimens recorded score 3 (less than 50% of the whole number of dentinal tubules were penetrated with the dye) while the specimens of apical thirds recorded score 2 (traces of the dye could be seen along the internal canal surface).
Conclusions: Q-Mix, Apple vinegar, and EDTA promoted the penetration through dentinal tubules in the coronal and middle sections superior to the apical section of the root canal.