Root canal irrigation is an indispensable part of root canal preparation. Effective irrigation depends on the continuous development of irrigants and irrigation techniques. Recently, studies in irrigants and techniques have been carried out to improve the effect of irrigation and disinfection. Microorganisms, smear layer and lipopolysaccharide within root canal can be removed at a larger degree by means of improving the performance of irrigants and combined using different irrigants. And with the aid of supplementary methods and new techniques, irrigants can be better delivered and agitated, which induces higher cleaning efficiency in apical third and enhanced effect of chemical preparation in root canal system. This paper reviewed the research progress on root canal irrigants, irrigation methods and techniques.
