The effect of Morinda Citrifolia juice as an endodontic irrigant on smear layer and microhardness of root canal dentin

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Morinda Citrifolia Juice (MCJ) on smear layer removal and microhardness value of root canal dentin in compared with various endodontic irrigants. Material and methods: Eighty-four single-rooted human teeth were prepared to apical size of #35. Since decoronation, samples were divided into seven groups of 12 in each (n=12). Specimens were finally irrigated by either 1: 2.5% NaOCl, 2: 6% MCJ, followed by a final flush of 17% ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 3: 6% MCJ, 4: 2.5% NaOCl then17% EDTA, 5: MTAD, 6: 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), and 7: saline. After irrigation, all samples were subjected to Vickers microhardness test at 100 and 500-μm depths and then were examined under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ImageJ program was used to calculate open dentinal tubules. One way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests were used to reveal any significant differences among and between groups respectively. Results: The microhardness values at 100. μm and 500. μm for MTAD were significantly lower than for NaOCl + EDTA and MCJ + EDTA groups (p<0.05). MCJ + EDTA, NaOCl + EDTA, and MTAD protocol significantly removed smear layer in compared with control group (p<0.05), with no significant differences among these three groups. Conclusions: It was concluded that 6% MCJ followed by a final flush of 17% EDTA can be regarded as an effective solution on smear layer removal without any adverse influence on microhardness property of root canal dentin. © 2012 Japanese Stomatological Society.