Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Smear Layer Removal Efficacy of Kernel Extract as Root Canal Irrigant in Primary Molar: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND

Endodontic therapy aims to disinfect the entire root canal system. Extracts from the kernel of has the potential to be a novel root canal irrigant that has yet to be studied. Hence, the present study evaluated the antimicrobial, and smear layer removal efficacy of the kernel extract as a root canal irrigant in primary molars.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Methanolic extract of was prepared using the standard method. The antimicrobial efficacy of kernel extract was determined by agar diffusion method with 3% sodium hypochlorite and distilled water as controls, and the smear layer removal efficacy was assessed under the SEM after processing the root samples with different concentrations of kernel extract with 17% EDTA and distilled water as positive and negative controls, respectively.

RESULTS

A statistically significant antimicrobial efficacy was observed with the largest mean zone of inhibition recorded with 50 l of kernel extract at 24 hr of incubation period, when compared to sodium hypochlorite as a root canal irrigant against using agar diffusion method at MIC value of 0.625 mg/ml. The smear layer removal efficacy of the kernel extract was not satisfactory, when compared with EDTA as a root canal irrigant in primary molars and observed under SEM. In contrast, a complete smear layer removal was observed with 17% EDTA solution.

CONCLUSION

kernel extract has an enhanced antimicrobial efficacy but poor smear layer removal efficacy when used as a root canal irrigant.