Introduction: Current systems for activating irrigation solutions mainly use sound, ultrasound or laser. The simple form of manual dynamic activation must be differentiated. Methods: In comparison to the conventional irrigation technique, the described methods generally result in a greater cleaning effect under experimental conditions (removal of pulp tissue and debris, penetration depth into the root dentin, antibacterial effect, removal of calcium hydroxide). Gradual differences seem to be the result of the chosen experimental setup and the material used. Result and Conclusion: Given that comparative clinical studies are largely lacking and the advantages of a defined irrigation protocol involving the activation of the irrigation solution have not been clinically proven so far, only a recommendation for their application can be derived from existing experimental studies. Also, with respect to the activation method, different approaches can be justified. Schlagwörter: activated root canal irrigation, laser, root canal preparation, root canal treatment, ultrasound