Case #744 from Dr. Gary Carr
In Vivo Case-Based Investigation: OdneClean Performance in Mandibular Molar
This second case-based investigation evaluated the OdneClean irrigation protocol in a mandibular molar (#31) diagnosed with necrotic pulp and a chronic apical abscess. The tooth underwent multi-visit endodontic treatment that included chemomechanical preparation, sodium hypochlorite, EDTA, and placement of calcium hydroxide as an interim medicament. Despite these measures, the tooth continued to exhibit a persistent sinus tract and purulent drainage. The canals were subsequently cleaned again with standard endodontic irrigants, with additional irrigation using OdneClean applied in the distal and mesiobuccal canals. Because symptoms persisted, the patient elected extraction, and the tooth was processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to compare cleanliness in canals treated with standard irrigation versus those additionally treated with OdneClean.
SEM evaluation of the distal canal, which received OdneClean, showed exceptionally clean dentin surfaces with no detectable pulpal remnants and only minimal instrumentation debris. Only small, isolated areas of residual biofilm were observed. In the mesial root, comparison of the mesial buccal canal (OdneClean) and mesial lingual canal (standard irrigation) revealed that both were very clean, with the OdneClean-treated canal demonstrating fewer surface residues. The standard-irrigation canal showed slightly more demineralization, likely related to EDTA exposure.
Overall, the SEM analysis provided a direct side-by-side assessment suggesting effective cleaning of root canal surfaces when the OdneClean protocol was used.
Summary text by Dr. Else Ellermann – Clinical & Scientific Affairs Manager at Odne
#744 Gary Carr Case Analysis – Mandibular molar scheduled for extraction
- All canals were prepared and irrigated using a standardized conventional endodontic protocol.
- The distal and mesial‑buccal canals received additional irrigation using the OdneClean protocol.
- Canals treated with OdneClean showed exceptionally clean dentin surfaces with no visible pulpal remnants.
- Side‑by‑side SEM comparison in the mesial root revealed fewer surface residues in the OdneClean‑treated mesial‑buccal canal compared with standard irrigation in the mesial‑lingual canal.
Background
Dr. Gary Carr is a leading innovator in endodontics, credited with introducing the dental operating microscope and ultrasonic root-end preparation techniques. He founded the Pacific Endodontic Research Foundation (PERF) in 1988, which conducts research on biofilms, chronic apical periodontitis, CBCT imaging, bone graft materials, and endodontic failure. Later, he established Excellence in Endodontics (EIE) to develop advanced instruments and irrigation technologies. Author of over 40 scientific articles and contributor to Pathways of the Pulp, Dr. Gary continues to refine techniques and technologies that improve precision and patient care worldwide.