Effect of a newly developed dental device for root canal treatment using PEEK material for smear layer removal

Abstract

Reaming and filing are used fot pulp extraction and cleaning infected root canals. The smear layer is a residue of softened dentin in the dentin tubules. In endodontic treatment, the removal of the smear layer is very important in terms of infection control. Poly Ether Ether Ketone (PEEK) material has excellent resistance to heat, hydrolysis, chemical breakdown, radiation, and flames. It is widely used in industry for cleaning automobile parts such as gears. This study used PEEK material, which was developed as a root canal expander. A scanning electron microscope was used to evaluate its effect on the removal of the smear layer in the root canal. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2023; 57: 203-208)