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Background:
Along with biomechanical preparation of the root canal, chemical debridement of the root canal with irrigants is also
very important. Many different irrigants and treatment protocols have been advocated for eradication of the infected
root canals.
Aim and Objective:
The aim of this study is to determine irrigation practice among general dental practitioners of Nepal and to see if there
is any difference in the choice of irrigants between the practitioners who do participate and who do not in education
programs.
Materials and Methods:
A questionnaire comprising of 14 questions was distributed to 500 general dental practitioners of Nepal. The participants
were asked about their irrigant selection, irrigant concentration, smear layer removal, depth of needle penetration
and their participation in any endodontic education programme.
Results:
Among the 500 questionnaire distributed 238 responded. Our data indicate that 95.8% of the participants use sodium
hypochlorite. There were participant who use only saline as irrigating solution while treating vital tooth (28.1%),
tooth with necrotic pulp (6.7%), tooth with radiographic evidence of periapical lesion (15.1%) and previously treated
tooth (20.2%). Majority (78.2%) of the participants never attended any course on irrigation in endodontic treatment
after their graduation. The difference between participation in course(s) related to irrigation in endodontic treatment

Chlorhexidine, irrigation, smear layer, sodium hypochlorite