Comparison of Antibacterial Effect and Smear Layer Removal of Herbal versus Traditional Irrigants - An in vitro Study

Background: Elimination of endodontic pathogens through appropriate cleaning and shaping procedures along with strict isolation protocols is of great significance for disinfecting this complex anatomy of the root canal configuration. Persistent periradicular lesions are usually associated with Enterococcus faecalis. Various compounds are being utilized as irrigants throughout the cleaning shaping procedures to accomplish the favorable level of disinfection.
Aim: the current study aim to compare the anti-microbial efficiency of Salvadora Persica (Miswak-Siwak) and Chitosan in comparison with Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl). Also comparing their ability to eradicate the smear layer.
Materials and Methods: Seventy-five extracted human single rooted teeth were cut at the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ). The roots were instrumented by k-files till size 25. These teeth were sterilized and then contaminated by Enterococcus Faecalis in brain heart infusion for 3 weeks. The samples will divide into 4 groups (S.Persica, Chitosan, NaOCl and normal saline). The bacterial count was calculated using colony forming unit (CFU). Then, the roots were split longitudinally and examined by SEM for evaluation of smear layer removal in coronal, middle and apical thirds.
Results: Regarding antibacterial effect, NaOCl showed the least mean values, however saline showed the highest, followed by S. Persica and Chitosan. Regarding smear layer removal, S.Persica showed the least values. NaOCl and positive control showed the highest, followed by Chitosan.
Conclusion: The use of herbal alternatives as root canal irrigating solutions might prove to be advantageous considering several unfavorable properties of NaOCl.
Key words: Antibacterial efficacy, Chitosan, Enterococcus faecalis, Root canal irrigation, S.Persica, NaOCl.