Comparative Study of Cleaning Efficacy of Different Concentrations of Sodium Hypochlorite on Nickel-Titanium Endodontic Instruments

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop an effective cleaning procedure for Nickel-Titanium instruments. Materials and method: Twelve newly sterilized Nickel-Titanium(Ni-Ti) instruments were contaminated by preparing canals of extracted teeth and subjected to both mechanical and chemical cleaning procedures under various concentration of sodium hypochlorite. Debris on flutes was scored after staining with Van Gieson's solution at X20 magnification using a stereomicroscope. Results: This study showed that a sequential cleaning procedure including combined mechanical and chemical removal with 12% Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution is an effective procedure of removing debris from Nickel Titanium hand instruments. Conclusion: The result of this study has shown that a sequential cleaning procedure including combined mechanical and chemical removal with 12% Sodium Hypochlorite solution is an effective procedure of removing debris from Ni-Ti instruments.