Abstract

Application of root canal irrigant is one of the factors that affect the success of endodontic treatment. Unfortunately, there is no single irrigant which qualify as an ideal irrigant. Lerak fruit can be used as an alternative irrigant for root canal irrigation due to almost qualify as an irrigant. The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of various root canal irrigants in removing root canal smear layer. Samples of 50 human extracted mandibular premolars were done crown separation at the CEJ. All samples were divided into 5 groups and prepared endodontically by ProTaper Universal Ni-Ti Rotary Instruments up to size F3 and each group was irrigated with corresponding solution 3 ml in between each file for 36 seconds and 5 ml as final irrigant for 60 seconds as following, Group I: 25% ethanol extract of the fruit lerak, Group II: the combination of 25% ethanol extract of the lerak fruit and 2.5% NaOCl , Group III: irrigated with 2,5% NaOCl and followed by final irrigant with EDTA 17%, IV: NaOCl 2.5% and followed by final irrigant with maleic acid 7% and V: saline. Each sample was rinsed with 2 ml saline and dried with paper points. Samples was then split into two halves from buccolingually direction and tested sent for SEM photograph at 1000x magnification on the apical third. Measuring the level of cleanliness of root canal from smear layer was determined by Torabinejad scoring (2003). Analyze data were tested with Kappa statistics, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney. The results showed that there were differences of ability the various irrigants in removing smear layer on apical third of root canal (p <0.05). It can be concluded that 25% ethanol extract of the lerak fruit had ability to remove smear layer on the apical third of root canal and more effective than 2.5% NaOCl with 17% EDTA and NaOCl 2.5% with 7% maleic acid.

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