Sonic versus passive ultrasonic irrigation for chronic root canal infection
Official title: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Endodontic Treatment Using Sonic-activated Irrigation and Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation to Evaluate Healing in Chronic Apical Periodontitis
Run by Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University · NCT07069881 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether sonic-activated irrigation or passive ultrasonic irrigation cleans infected root canals better in adults with chronic apical periodontitis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 59 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 30, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 17, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07069881 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–59 with at least one permanent tooth diagnosed with chronic apical periodontitis (Nolla stage 10), who can provide informed consent and attend follow-up visits, are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are pregnant, have periodontitis, non-restorable teeth, prior root canal treatment on the affected tooth, root fractures, canal calcification or instrument separation, ongoing orthodontic treatment, dental phobia, or contraindicating medications are excluded and unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial compares sonically activated irrigation (SAI) with passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) during root canal treatment for teeth with chronic apical periodontitis. Adults aged 18–59 with a permanent tooth at Nolla stage 10 will be randomized to receive RCT using either SAI or PUI and followed on a set schedule. Primary outcomes include infection control, clinical healing, and radiographic resolution, and secondary outcomes include procedure-related complications such as instrument separation and dentin removal. The study will also analyze factors that might influence outcomes to recommend a safe, effective irrigation protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify a safer and more effective irrigation method that improves infection clearance and reduces procedural complications during root canal treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Passive ultrasonic irrigation is widely used in practice, but high-quality randomized clinical evidence supporting sonically activated irrigation is currently limited, so this direct comparison addresses a gap in evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Agree to participate in this study and provide informed consent; 2. Age 18-59 years at the time of enrolment; 3. At least one permanent tooth diagnosed with chronic periapical periodontitis at root development stage of Nolla10th; 4. Able to follow up on schedule. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Allergies to any medications or materials necessary to complete the procedures; 2. Non-restorable teeth, teeth with severe defects, or teeth that need to be extracted due to orthodontic treatment; 3. Teeth with root canal treatment or vital pulp therapy; 4. Teeth with canal calcification or root canal instrument separation; 5. Teeth with root fracture or vertical root fracture; 6. Tooth with internal or external root resorption; 7. Patients with periodontitis; 8. Patients with orthodontic treatment; 9. Presence of dental phobia; 10. Women who are pregnant; 11. Patients who have taken medications that affect central nervous system, such as tricyclic antidepressant; 12. Patients who have taken medications that affect immune response, such as glucocorticoid or cyclosporin; 13. Patients after radiotherapy of tumor head and neck; 14. Patients who have taken medications that affect curative effect, such as bisphosphonates; 15. Patients with serious systemic diseases that can affect curative effect; 16. Participation in other clinical studies within the past several weeks; 17. Patients who are deemed unsuitable to participate in the study by investigators.
Where it's running
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Southern Hospital, Southern Medical University
Guangzhou, Guangdong, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Liang Yuee
- Email: yueeliang734@sina.com
- Phone: 0086-020-62787149
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Effect of Cyperus articulatus on bacterial reduction and postoperative pain in chronic apical periodontitis
This study tests whether Cyperus articulatus as a medicament in root canal treatment can reduce bacteria and postoperative pain in adults with chronic apical periodontitis.
-
iRoot SP versus nRoot SP root canal sealers for chronic apical periodontitis
This trial will test whether iRoot SP or nRoot SP root canal sealers produce better healing and less post-procedure pain in adults with chronic apical periodontitis.
-
Different root canal sealers and salivary oxidative stress in chronic apical periodontitis.
This test will compare two types of root canal sealers to see if they change saliva oxidative stress markers in adults with chronic apical periodontitis.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.