Microhardness of the Radicular Dentine After Root Canal Irrigation With Salvadora Persica Extract: A Laboratory Study

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of the conventionally used irrigant sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) compared with prepared Salvadora persica (Miswak) root canal irrigant regarding the microhardness of root dentin.

Materials and methods: Forty-five extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars human teeth with closed apex were included in this  study. Initially, the teeth were cleaned, prepared, and then disinfected, which were divided randomly into five equal groups according to  the type of irrigant used [group 1: saline (negative control), group 2: 5.25 % NaOCl (positive control), group 3: 10 % Miswak, group 4: 15 %  Miswak, and group 5: 20 % Miswak]. The specimens were embedded in acrylic resin, for examination, and positioned in a Vickers  microhardness tester (Future-Tech Corp FM-700) to detect root canal dentin microhardness. The collected data were then statistically  compared to detect differences between the tested root canal irrigants.

Results: Mean ± SD of dentin microhardness before irrigation showed an insignificant difference (P ¼ 0.942), while the recorded Vickers  hardness number values after irrigation showed a significant difference (P ¼ 0.046) between the tested group. Only the NaOCl group  showed a significant decrease in root canal dentin microhardness after the treatment and is preferred over Miswak irrigant.

Conclusion: Within the limitation of the present study, 20 % Miswak is comparable to 5.25 % NaOCl. Regarding its use as a root canal  irrigating solution, 20 % Miswak does not affect the dentin microhardness negatively.