Antibacterial Efficacy and Outcomes of Root Canal Irrigation Methods

NCT ID: NCT06959602

Last Updated: 2025-06-03

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

Get a concise snapshot of the trial, including recruitment status, study phase, enrollment targets, and key timeline milestones.

Recruitment Status

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

66 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-04-01

Study Completion Date

2025-10-31

Brief Summary

Review the sponsor-provided synopsis that highlights what the study is about and why it is being conducted.

This randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy and treatment outcomes of three different final irrigation protocols during root canal therapy: 2.5% sodium hypochlorite alone, sodium hypochlorite with Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI), and sodium hypochlorite with XP-Endo Finisher activation. Sixty-six single-rooted teeth with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis will be randomly assigned to one of the three groups. Antibacterial efficacy will be assessed through Real-Time PCR quantification of total bacterial load and four specific bacterial species before and after treatment. Treatment success will be evaluated clinically and radiographically at 6 and 12 months. The study aims to identify the most effective irrigation strategy for bacterial reduction and healing outcomes.

Detailed Description

Dive into the extended narrative that explains the scientific background, objectives, and procedures in greater depth.

This randomized, two-arm, parallel clinical trial investigates the antibacterial effectiveness and clinical outcomes of three root canal final irrigation protocols in teeth with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis. Following standard chemomechanical preparation, participants' teeth will be randomly assigned to one of three interventions: final irrigation with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite alone, sodium hypochlorite activated by Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI) or sodium hypochlorite activated with the XP-Endo Finisher file.

The study focuses on the reduction of total bacterial load and specific pathogenic bacterial species (Pseudoramibacter alactolyticus, Treponema denticola, Streptococcus anginosus, and Porphyromonas endodontalis ) assessed through highly sensitive quantitative Real-Time PCR analysis of samples collected at different treatment stages. Sampling procedures ensure strict aseptic conditions and standardized protocols for DNA extraction and analysis.

All participants will undergo a standardized endodontic treatment protocol by a single operator to minimize variability. Follow-up includes clinical and radiographic examinations at 6 and 12 months, with healing assessed through the Periapical Index (PAI) and presence or absence of clinical symptoms.

This trial aims to provide new clinical evidence regarding the added value of supplementary irrigation techniques, comparing their ability to reduce bacterial burden and influence long-term treatment success.

Conditions

See the medical conditions and disease areas that this research is targeting or investigating.

Pulp Necrosis Apical Periodontitis Endodontic Treatment

Study Design

Understand how the trial is structured, including allocation methods, masking strategies, primary purpose, and other design elements.

Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

SINGLE

Outcome Assessors
The operator performing the procedure is not blinded, but outcome assessors evaluating healing at follow-up could be blinded

Study Groups

Review each arm or cohort in the study, along with the interventions and objectives associated with them.

Final Irrigation with 2.5% Sodium Hypochlorite

Root canals will be irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite as the final irrigation without activation.

Group Type OTHER

Final Irrigation with 2.5% Sodium Hypochlorite

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

After supragingival scaling and removal of caries or defective restorations, the tooth will be isolated and disinfected with 3% H202 and 2.5% NaOCl. Access preparation will be done using a sterile high-speed bur under sterile saline irrigation, followed by re-disinfection. NaOCl will be neutralized with 5% sodium thiosulphate, and sterility will be confirmed via paper point sampling. Only teeth with negative sterility samples will proceed. Sample S1 will be collected after saline irrigation and mild instrumentation with a sterile K-file #15, using an apex locator. Paper points will absorb canal fluid and be frozen in Tris-EDTA buffer at -20°C. Complete chemomechanical preparation will follow, with irrigation after each instrument change. Cervical and mid-thirds will be enlarged with Gates-Glidden burs and the apical third with NiTi RaCe files (40/04). Sample S2 will be taken after preparation. Group A will receive final irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl before collection of sample S3.

Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation with NaOCl

Root canals will be irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite activated by Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI).

Group Type OTHER

Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI) with Sodium Hypochlorite

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Activation of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution inside the root canal system using Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI) after chemomechanical preparation. Group B, sample (S3).

XP-Endo Finisher activation with NaOCl

Root canals will be irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite followed by mechanical activation using the XP-Endo Finisher file.

Group Type OTHER

XP-Endo Finisher Activation with Sodium Hypochlorite

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Mechanical activation of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution using the XP-Endo Finisher instrument following chemomechanical preparation.Group C, sample (S3).

Interventions

Learn about the drugs, procedures, or behavioral strategies being tested and how they are applied within this trial.

Final Irrigation with 2.5% Sodium Hypochlorite

After supragingival scaling and removal of caries or defective restorations, the tooth will be isolated and disinfected with 3% H202 and 2.5% NaOCl. Access preparation will be done using a sterile high-speed bur under sterile saline irrigation, followed by re-disinfection. NaOCl will be neutralized with 5% sodium thiosulphate, and sterility will be confirmed via paper point sampling. Only teeth with negative sterility samples will proceed. Sample S1 will be collected after saline irrigation and mild instrumentation with a sterile K-file #15, using an apex locator. Paper points will absorb canal fluid and be frozen in Tris-EDTA buffer at -20°C. Complete chemomechanical preparation will follow, with irrigation after each instrument change. Cervical and mid-thirds will be enlarged with Gates-Glidden burs and the apical third with NiTi RaCe files (40/04). Sample S2 will be taken after preparation. Group A will receive final irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl before collection of sample S3.

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI) with Sodium Hypochlorite

Activation of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution inside the root canal system using Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI) after chemomechanical preparation. Group B, sample (S3).

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

XP-Endo Finisher Activation with Sodium Hypochlorite

Mechanical activation of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution using the XP-Endo Finisher instrument following chemomechanical preparation.Group C, sample (S3).

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Other Intervention Names

Discover alternative or legacy names that may be used to describe the listed interventions across different sources.

NaOCl 2.5% PUI; Ultrasonic Activation; Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation XP-Endo Finisher; XPF Activation

Eligibility Criteria

Check the participation requirements, including inclusion and exclusion rules, age limits, and whether healthy volunteers are accepted.

Inclusion Criteria

* Informed consent by the patients who wish to participate in the study.
* Single-rooted teeth with pulp necrosis confirmed by pulp sensibility tests, negative response to both cold and electric pulp testing and radiographic evidence of apical periodontitis.
* Teeth with relatively straight canals, complete root development and no radiographic evidence of pulp canal obliteration.

Exclusion Criteria

* Patients who have received antibiotic treatment the last 3 months or need chemoprophylaxis for dental treatment.
* Teeth with previous endodontic treatment.
* Teeth with cracks or incomplete vertical root fracture which disturbs the integrity of the pulp chamber walls or teeth with the pulp chamber exposed to oral environment.
* Teeth with periodontal pocket more than 4mm.
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

80 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

Meet the organizations funding or collaborating on the study and learn about their roles.

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

Identify the individual or organization who holds primary responsibility for the study information submitted to regulators.

Giorgos Tzanetakis

Associate Professor

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

Learn about the lead researchers overseeing the trial and their institutional affiliations.

Giorge Tzanetakis, Dr (PhD)

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Locations

Explore where the study is taking place and check the recruitment status at each participating site.

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Athens, , Greece

Site Status

Countries

Review the countries where the study has at least one active or historical site.

Greece

References

Explore related publications, articles, or registry entries linked to this study.

Orstavik D. Root canal disinfection: a review of concepts and recent developments. Aust Endod J. 2003 Aug;29(2):70-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1747-4477.2003.tb00515.x.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 14655819 (View on PubMed)

Siqueira JF Jr, Rocas IN. Clinical implications and microbiology of bacterial persistence after treatment procedures. J Endod. 2008 Nov;34(11):1291-1301.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2008.07.028. Epub 2008 Sep 17.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 18928835 (View on PubMed)

Luciano Giardino, Marco Morra, Carlo Becce, Fernanda G. Pappen, Zahed Mohammadi, Flavio Palazzi,Comparative wettability of different sodium hypochlorite solutions,Giornale Italiano di Endodonzia.2012; 26(22):1121-4171 doi:org/10.1016/j.gien.2012.06.002.

Reference Type RESULT

Weber CD, McClanahan SB, Miller GA, Diener-West M, Johnson JD. The effect of passive ultrasonic activation of 2% chlorhexidine or 5.25% sodium hypochlorite irrigant on residual antimicrobial activity in root canals. J Endod. 2003 Sep;29(9):562-4. doi: 10.1097/00004770-200309000-00005.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 14503827 (View on PubMed)

Mohammadi Z, Abbott PV. Antimicrobial substantivity of root canal irrigants and medicaments: a review. Aust Endod J. 2009 Dec;35(3):131-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1747-4477.2009.00164.x.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 19961451 (View on PubMed)

Ricucci D, Siqueira JF Jr, Bate AL, Pitt Ford TR. Histologic investigation of root canal-treated teeth with apical periodontitis: a retrospective study from twenty-four patients. J Endod. 2009 Apr;35(4):493-502. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2008.12.014.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 19345793 (View on PubMed)

Sjogren U, Figdor D, Persson S, Sundqvist G. Influence of infection at the time of root filling on the outcome of endodontic treatment of teeth with apical periodontitis. Int Endod J. 1997 Sep;30(5):297-306. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2591.1997.00092.x.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 9477818 (View on PubMed)

Sjogren U, Hagglund B, Sundqvist G, Wing K. Factors affecting the long-term results of endodontic treatment. J Endod. 1990 Oct;16(10):498-504. doi: 10.1016/S0099-2399(07)80180-4.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 2084204 (View on PubMed)

Paixao S, Rodrigues C, Grenho L, Fernandes MH. Efficacy of sonic and ultrasonic activation during endodontic treatment: a Meta-analysis of in vitro studies. Acta Odontol Scand. 2022 Nov;80(8):588-595. doi: 10.1080/00016357.2022.2061591. Epub 2022 Apr 17.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 35430959 (View on PubMed)

Mancini M, Cerroni L, Iorio L, Armellin E, Conte G, Cianconi L. Smear layer removal and canal cleanliness using different irrigation systems (EndoActivator, EndoVac, and passive ultrasonic irrigation): field emission scanning electron microscopic evaluation in an in vitro study. J Endod. 2013 Nov;39(11):1456-60. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2013.07.028. Epub 2013 Sep 6.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 24139274 (View on PubMed)

Alves FR, Marceliano-Alves MF, Sousa JC, Silveira SB, Provenzano JC, Siqueira JF Jr. Removal of Root Canal Fillings in Curved Canals Using Either Reciprocating Single- or Rotary Multi-instrument Systems and a Supplementary Step with the XP-Endo Finisher. J Endod. 2016 Jul;42(7):1114-9. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2016.04.007. Epub 2016 May 20.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 27215810 (View on PubMed)

Matoso FB, Quintana RM, Jardine AP, Delai D, Fontanella VRC, Grazziotin-Soares R, Kopper PMP. XP Endo Finisher-R and PUI as supplementary methods to remove root filling materials from curved canals. Braz Oral Res. 2022 Apr 15;36:e053. doi: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2022.vol36.0053. eCollection 2022.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 35442382 (View on PubMed)

Poly A, Marques F, Lee J, Setzer FC, Karabucak B. XP-endo Finisher effectively reduces hard-tissue debris accumulated in root canals with isthmus after preparation with a reciprocating file system. Aust Endod J. 2023 Aug;49(2):279-286. doi: 10.1111/aej.12676. Epub 2022 Aug 18.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 35980742 (View on PubMed)

de Jesus Oliveira LS, de Figueiredo FED, Dantas JA, Ribeiro MAG, Estrela C, Sousa-Neto MD, Faria-E-Silva AL. Impact XP-endo finisher on the 1-year follow-up success of posterior root canal treatments: a randomized clinical trial. Clin Oral Investig. 2023 Dec;27(12):7595-7603. doi: 10.1007/s00784-023-05349-9. Epub 2023 Oct 23.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 37867163 (View on PubMed)

Amaral RR, Guimaraes Oliveira AG, Braga T, Reher P, de Macedo Farias L, Magalhaes PP, Ferreira PG, Ilma de Souza Cortes M. Quantitative Assessment of the Efficacy of Two Different Single-file Systems in Reducing the Bacterial load in Oval-Shaped Canals: A Clinical Study. J Endod. 2020 Sep;46(9):1228-1234. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2020.06.007. Epub 2020 Jul 9.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 32653532 (View on PubMed)

Ballal NV, Gandhi P, Shenoy PA, Dummer PMH. Evaluation of various irrigation activation systems to eliminate bacteria from the root canal system: A randomized controlled single blinded trial. J Dent. 2020 Aug;99:103412. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2020.103412. Epub 2020 Jun 22.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 32585261 (View on PubMed)

Tzanetakis GN, Koletsi D, Tsakris A, Vrioni G. Prevalence of Fungi in Primary Endodontic Infections of a Greek-living Population Through Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction and Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry. J Endod. 2022 Feb;48(2):200-207. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2021.11.003. Epub 2021 Nov 17.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 34800484 (View on PubMed)

Coaguila-Llerena H, Ordinola-Zapata R, Staley C, Dietz M, Chen R, Faria G. Multispecies biofilm removal by a multisonic irrigation system in mandibular molars. Int Endod J. 2022 Nov;55(11):1252-1261. doi: 10.1111/iej.13813. Epub 2022 Aug 30.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 35976101 (View on PubMed)

Lima AR, Herrera DR, Francisco PA, Pereira AC, Lemos J, Abranches J, Gomes BPFA. Detection of Streptococcus mutans in symptomatic and asymptomatic infected root canals. Clin Oral Investig. 2021 Jun;25(6):3535-3542. doi: 10.1007/s00784-020-03676-9. Epub 2020 Nov 10.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 33170373 (View on PubMed)

Siqueira JF Jr, Rocas IN. Pseudoramibacter alactolyticus in primary endodontic infections. J Endod. 2003 Nov;29(11):735-8. doi: 10.1097/00004770-200311000-00012.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 14651280 (View on PubMed)

Rosa TP, Signoretti FG, Montagner F, Gomes BP, Jacinto RC. Prevalence of Treponema spp. in endodontic retreatment-resistant periapical lesions. Braz Oral Res. 2015;29:S1806-83242015000100228. doi: 10.1590/1807-3107BOR-2015.vol29.0031. Epub 2015 Jan 27.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 25627883 (View on PubMed)

Ordinola-Zapata R, Costalonga M, Dietz M, Lima BP, Staley C. The root canal microbiome diversity and function. A whole-metagenome shotgun analysis. Int Endod J. 2024 Jul;57(7):872-884. doi: 10.1111/iej.13911. Epub 2023 Mar 29.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 36861850 (View on PubMed)

Ordinola-Zapata R, Costalonga M, Nixdorf D, Dietz M, Schuweiler D, Lima BP, Staley C. Taxonomic abundance in primary and secondary root canal infections. Int Endod J. 2023 Feb;56(2):278-288. doi: 10.1111/iej.13864. Epub 2022 Nov 22.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 36334085 (View on PubMed)

Rocas IN, Siqueira JF Jr. Comparison of the in vivo antimicrobial effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine used as root canal irrigants: a molecular microbiology study. J Endod. 2011 Feb;37(2):143-50. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2010.11.006.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 21238793 (View on PubMed)

Orstavik D, Kerekes K, Eriksen HM. The periapical index: a scoring system for radiographic assessment of apical periodontitis. Endod Dent Traumatol. 1986 Feb;2(1):20-34. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-9657.1986.tb00119.x. No abstract available.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 3457698 (View on PubMed)

Orstavik D. Reliability of the periapical index scoring system. Scand J Dent Res. 1988 Apr;96(2):108-11.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 3162597 (View on PubMed)

Kirkevang LL, Orstavik D, Wenzel A, Vaeth M. Prognostic value of the full-scale Periapical Index. Int Endod J. 2015 Nov;48(11):1051-8. doi: 10.1111/iej.12402. Epub 2014 Nov 24.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 25354086 (View on PubMed)

Kirkevang LL, Orstavik D, Bahrami G, Wenzel A, Vaeth M. Prediction of periapical status and tooth extraction. Int Endod J. 2017 Jan;50(1):5-14. doi: 10.1111/iej.12581. Epub 2015 Dec 23.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 26580306 (View on PubMed)

Provided Documents

Download supplemental materials such as informed consent forms, study protocols, or participant manuals.

Document Type: Study Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan

View Document

Document Type: Informed Consent Form

View Document

Other Identifiers

Review additional registry numbers or institutional identifiers associated with this trial.

Giorge Tzanetakis

Identifier Type: OTHER

Identifier Source: secondary_id

691/18.02.2025

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

More Related Trials

Additional clinical trials that may be relevant based on similarity analysis.