Comparative Evaluation of Intracanal Smear Layer Removal by Different Root Canal Irrigants: A Scanning Electron Microscope Study

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of the study is to compare and evaluate the efficacy of different root canal irrigants—100, 75, 50, and 25% neem extract, 100, 75, 50, and 25% apple cider vinegar (ACV), a combination of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and saline on smear layer removal using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Materials and methods: A total of 80 freshly extracted single-rooted teeth were collected and divided into 10 groups—group I: normal saline (negative control), group II: NaOCl with EDTA (positive control), group III: 100% neem extract, group IV: 75% neem extract, group V: 50% neem extract, group VI: 25% neem extract, group VII: 100% ACV, group VIII: 75% ACV, group IX: 50% ACV, and group X: 25% ACV. The samples were irrigated with a specific group of irrigants, then split in a longitudinal axis and processed for analysis in an SEM. Microphotographs were obtained and scored according to Torabinejad et al. Results: Microphotographs were assessed and showed that 100% neem extract was similar to NaOCl with EDTA, followed by 75% neem extract and 100% ACV. Conclusion: This study showed that 100% neem extract removed the smear layer, similar to the NaOCl with EDTA.