Typically root canals are cleaned by irrigation solutions (e.g., NaOCl) that are deposited into the canal system with a needle and syringe. Irrigation efficacy is believed to be critical in the removal of microorganisms. Therefore, overthe years, various methods were explored that could increase that efficacy, for example sonic and ultrasonic activation (van der Sluis et al 2007) and Lussi’s non-intrumentational technique (Lussi et al 1993) and more recently, negative pressure irrigation (Fukumoto at al 2006).

A product has recently become commercially available, the EndoVac (Figure below, DiscusDental, Culver City); it consists of three components, a syringe to deposit the irrigant (Step 1 in Figure) and two cannulas, a coarse and a fine cannula to evacuate the deposited irrigation solution. Both cannulas can be connected to the suction system of any dental unit.

The coarse cannula can reach the middle root canal third and collects the bulk of debris and fluid (Step 2). The micro cannula can be placed close to Working Length for a canal that was prepared to size #40 or larger and removes (Step 3). The combination of both tips has been shown in a preliminary study to clean canals better than conventional irrigation using a 30g needle (Nielsen & Baumgartner 2007).

• Gutarts R, Nusstein J, Reader A, Beck M J Endodon 2005,31:166
• Fukumoto Y, Kikuchi I, Kobayashi C, Suda H Int Endod J 2006,39:93
• Lussi A, Nussbacher U, Grosrey J J Endodon 1993,19:549
• Nielsen BA, Baumgartner JC J Endodon 2007,33:611
• Van der Sluis LW, Versluis M, Wu MK, Wesselink PR Int Endod J 2007,,40: 415