Endoprep-RC is a root canal conditioner from Anabond Stedman.
- Root Canal Conditioner
- EDTA 15% + Carbamide Peroxide 10%
- Available as 2 syringes pack, each of 5ml (3.6 gm)
- Available in GEL form.
Mode of action:
EDTA
- 17% EDTA is an effective chelating agent, that removes the inorganic ( dentine etc) components inside the canal. It can be used after the mechanical preparation for removal of the smear layer.
- Endoprep – RC has 15% EDTA and is used DURING mechanical preparation. The presence of glycol in the composition enable lubrication of the canal and also prevents fracture or separation of file. It should always be followed with an irrigation of 2% or 5.25% Sodium Hypochlorite, which dissolves organic matter and has an anti-bacterial effect.
CARBAMIDE PEROXIDE
- Peroxides in concentration between 1-30% has been used widely in endodontics for disinfection and sterilization. This is usually done by the release of hydroxyl free radicals by the method of effervescence or bubbling.
- Endoprep – RC uses 10% carbamide peroxide. It improves the cleansing activity when used along with Sodium hypochlorite. Also effective as an anti-bacterial agent when used along with 2% Chlorhexidine, specially against secondary infections of E. Faecalis.
- Carbamide peroxide in presence of water breaks down into free radicals, which penetrate the enamel and dentine pores and causes bleaching. This can remove stains from inside the tooth (internal bleach). Though the concentration available in Endoprep – RC may not be effective as an internal bleach.
Review of Endoprep-RC
Endoprep-RC, is developed and marketed by Anabond Stedman, an Indian company based in Chennai, India. They have developed multiple products for use in dentistry, mostly related to Endodontics and Orthodontics. I have used other products of their like, Asep-RC.
Endoprep – RC is an alternative to products already available in the market like Glyde File Prep ( Dentsply), AvuePREP ( Dental Avenue) or RC- Help(Prime Dental Products). All of them have similar compositions and are paste or gel based.
2 very important points to note in a Root canal conditioner is workability and phase separation.
Workability is the ease with which the paste can be introduced into the canal. Endoprep-RC does a good job of it.
Phase separation is observed when the paste/gel is dispensed and you can see 2 distinct phases, one thick and other more watery and not one homogenous mix. This will give poor results. Endoprep RC does perform moderately of this count. I have seen phase separation in a new syringe but not later.
Having used multiple brands of Root canal conditioners and lubricants, I find it extremely difficult to judge one against the other. I have though seen increased ‘foaming’ when Endoprep – RC is used along with Sodium Hypochlorite compared to both Glyde and RC Help. According to Napte et al1 though , Glyde file prep is significantly better than RC Help and Endo Prep RC in reducing dentin microhardness.
Glyde file prep will remain the gold standard among root canal conditioners. I would recommend Endoprep-RC to practitioners who can’t afford Glyde file prep.
References:
1. Napte BD, Srinidhi SR. Evaluation of the Action of Chelating Agents on the Microhardness of Superficial Layer of Root Canal Lumen Dentin. World J Dent 2014;5(2):124-128.
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