Comparative evaluation of the effect of ultrasonic and rotary agitation of herbal irrigating solutions on smear layer: A SEM study

Instrumentation and irrigation balance helps in effective removal of endodontic microbes housing inside the smear layer. This study aimed to (1) evaluate whether activation of the irrigating solutions with two different systems during the final irrigation step can lead to smear layer formation in the middle and apical third of the root canal and (2) evaluate and compare the smear layer removal ability of the aqueous extracts of Emblica officinalis and Morinda citrifolia. A total of 72 single-rooted teeth were prepared up to F4 ProTaper. The specimens were assigned into eight groups of nine teeth each, according to the final irrigant and activation techniques. Further, the teeth were evaluated under SEM for endodontic smear layer at the middle and apical third. Inferential statistics included Pearson’s Chi-square. Level of significance was set at 0.05 at 95% confidence level. Ultrasonic activation system showed significant (P = 0.000) amount of smear layer compared to XP-Endo Finisher file. A significant difference (P = 0.00) in the smear layer removal was observed when 6% M. citrifolia was activated with XP-Endo Finisher file both in the middle and apical third. Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that smear layer formation was noted with ultrasonic and XP-Endo Finisher file when saline was used as an irrigant. 6% M. citrifolia when activated with XP-Endo Finisher file showed best results among all other experimental groups.