Effectiveness of brown algae extract (Sargassum sp) 15% in dissolving root canal smear layer (a SEM study)

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the ability of brown algae (Sargassum sp) extract 15% in dissolving root canal smear layer. MethodsThis study was an experimental laboratory with post-test only control group design. There were four groups of irrigation material, aquadest (Group 1); EDTA 17% (Group 2), NaOCL 2.5% (Group 3) and brown algae extract (Sargassum sp) 15% (Group 4). Each group consists of 6 samples (n=6). The cleanliness of root canal from the smear layer was checked using Crown Down Pressureless (CDP) technique with Protaper Next files and irrigated with each of irrigation material. The root canal hygiene was checked using Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) method and data were analyzed with the Kruskal Wallis test. ResultsRoot canals that were irrigated using brown algae (Sargassum sp) extract 15% showed a significant decrease of smear layer compared to other groups (p<0.05) either in 1/3 middle portion or 1/3 apical portion. ConclusionBrown algae (Sargassum sp) extract 15% was more effective to clean smear layer on root canal wall compared to NaOCl 2.5% but did not show a significant difference compared to EDTA 17%.