Effectiveness of Various Endodontic Irrigants on the Microhardness of the Root Canal Dentin-An In vitro Study

Author(s):

Vijayapriyangha Senthil kumar and Sindhu Ramesh*

Background: Different Irrigating solutions used for root canal treatment have different physical and chemical properties, which will render teeth fracture. Therefore proper selection of irrigant is needed to have maximum benefits. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of guava leaf extract as endodontic irrigant on microhardness of root canal dentin. Materials & Methods: Freshly extracted single rooted teeth were taken for the study. The crown portion of the tooth was sectioned at the level of CEJ and the root portion is sectioned longitudinally. These sections will be embedded in resin mould and divided into 3 groups as guava leaf extract, sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA with 10 samples per group for 20 minutes. Then the teeth were subjected to vickers hardness test. Results: The results were expressed as Mean ± SD (n=10). The *p<0.05 statistically significant as compared with the pretest group. p<0.01 statistically significant as compared with 3% NaOCl and EDTA 17% group. Conclusion: The study results showed better microhardness in guava leaf extract followed by 17% EDTA and 3% sodium hypochlorite. Guava leaf extract can be used as an alternative irrigant in endodontics