The efficacy of Salvadora persica extract in the elimination of the intracanal smear layer: A SEM study

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of an ethanolic Salvadora persica extract in removing the smear layer following a root canal procedure. Sixty extracted, single-rooted human teeth were cleaned, shaped, and divided into four groups. Experimental groups 1 (n=20) and 2 (n=20) were irrigated with 1mg/ml and 5mg/ml of S. persica, respectively. The positive controls (n=10) were irrigated with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), while the negative controls (n=10) were irrigated with saline. Approximately 5ml of the irrigating solution was delivered into the root canals for 5min, and the final rinse was performed with 5ml of 1% sodium hypochlorite. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the endodontic smear layer removal at the coronal, middle, and apical thirds of the specimens. A significant difference in smear layer removal between groups 1 and 2 at the coronal and middle thirds of the canal was observed, and no significant difference was seen between group 2 and the positive control at the coronal third. At the apical third, both concentrations of S. persica had similar effects and were less effective than the positive control in removing the smear layer. The 5mg/ml S. persica solution was significantly more effective than the 1mg/ml solution. In addition, the 5mg/ml S. persica solution was as effective as 17% EDTA in removing the smear layer from the coronal third of the canal wall.