The effect of effervescence on debridement of the apical regions of root canals in single-rooted teeth

The release of nascent oxygen during the chemical reaction between hydrogen peroxide and sodium hypochlorite solution produces an effervescence that is believed to aid in the debridement of root canals. A study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of effervescence in producing clean root canals. Canals in extracted, single-rooted human teeth were chemomechanically prepared with use of either the combination of hydrogen peroxide and sodium hypochlorite solution or sodium hypochlorite solution alone as irrigants. Sections were taken from the 1-mm and 3-mm levels from the anatomic apex, microscopically evaluated and graded for cleanliness. Statistical analysis of the results showed no significant differences at the 1-mm or 3-mm levels between the use of the combination of irrigants or the single irrigant.