Summary

The objective of the present study was to evaluate in vitro the presence of debris in dentinal walls after instrumentation with 2% chlorhexidine gel and ricinus comunnis gel, using scanning electronic microscopic. Twenty four premolars teeth with single root canals were used. After the access was opened and work length determined, teeth were divided in four groups: group 1- 2% chlorhexidine gel; group 2- 1% sodium hypochlorite mixed to 17% EDTAC; group 3- ricinus comunnis gel and group 4- 1% sodium hypochlorite. After instrumentation, teeth were irrigated with distilled water, dried and split longitudinally. Photomicrographs of the medium and apical thirds were evaluated by the program Fotoscore and data submitted to statistical analysis. The cleansing mixture of sodium hypochlorite and EDTAC was capable of completely removing dentinal walls smear layer produced during instrumentation. The 1% sodium hypochlorite, 2% chlorhexidine gel and ricinus comunnis gel weren’t as statistically efficient in cleansing root canals as the former solution.