A cleaning instrument for an endodontic procedure such as a root canal provides a distal portion for agitating an irrigant, comprising in some embodiments agitating structures that stir the irrigant to assist in removing the smear layer and dislodging loosely adhered organic debris. The structures may also be designed to assist in evacuating irrigant from the canal. Some embodiments provide orifices through which an irrigating fluid can traverse the distal portion of the instrument and enter the canal to wash away loosened debris and sterilize the canal.
