Cleaning effect of 25% green okra extract on root canal wall smear layer: an experimental study

Noviasari Samiatus Sholihah, Raditya Nugroho, Erawati Wulandari

Abstract


Introduction: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) removes the inorganic components of the smear layer, whereas sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) removes its organic components. These two irrigants are commonly used in combination to clean the smear layer effectively. However, both materials have limitations, necessitating exploration of alternative agents that can remove both components of the smear layer. Green okra extract, which contains saponins and oxalic acid, may serve as a potential alternative. This study aimed to analyze the effect of 25% green okra extract on smear layer removal. Methods: This study employed a post-test-only control-group design. Extracted permanent premolar teeth were sectioned at the cemento-enamel junction, and the root portions were embedded in wax blocks. We prepared the root canals using a conventional technique. Five samples were irrigated with a combination of 17% EDTA and 2.5% NaOCl (Group A), while five samples were irrigated with 25% green okra extract (Group B). Each sample was sectioned into three parts, and the middle third was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). We scored the smear layer based on observed surface characteristics and used the mode to represent the smear-layer distribution in each group. Results: The mode score for Group A was 3, indicating a partially covered root canal surface with a smear layer and a few open dentinal tubules, whereas the mode score for Group B was 4, indicating that the root canal wall was covered with a smear layer and no open dentinal tubules were observed. The Mann–Whitney U test showed no statistically significant difference in smear layer removal between the two groups (p = 0.221). Conclusion: The smear layer cleaning effect of 25% green okra extract was not significantly different from that of the combination of 17% EDTA and 2.5% NaOCl. Therefore, 25% green okra extract is a potential alternative root canal irrigant for smear layer removal.


Potensi ekstrak okra hijau (Abelmoschus esculentus) konsentrasi 25% terhadap pembersihan smear layer dinding saluran akar gigi: studi eksperimental laboratoris


Pendahuluan: Sebagai irigasi saluran akar, EDTA 17% menghilangkan komponen anorganik smear layer, sedangkan NaOCl 2,5% menghilangkan komponen organik. Kedua bahan ini digabungkan untuk membersihkan smear layer. Kedua bahan tersebut memiliki kekurangan, sehingga diperlukan bahan alternatif yang lebih aman untuk membersihkan kedua komponen smear layer yaitu 25% ekstrak okra hijau yang mengandung saponin dan asam oksalat. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis pengaruh ekstrak okra hijau 25% terhadap pembersihan smear layer. Metode: Studi ini menggunakan desain post-test-only control-group Gigi premolar permanen yang telah diekstraksi dipotong sebatas semen-enamel, lalu bagian akar ditanam dalam balok malam merah. Dilakukan preparasi saluran akar dengan teknik konvensional, dimana lima sampel diirigasi dengan kombinasi EDTA 17% dan NaOCl 2,5% (kelompok A), lima sampel dengan 25% ekstrak okra hijau (kelompok B). Sampel dipotong menjadi 3 bagian, dan bagian sepertiga tengah kemudian diamati dengan Scanning Electron Microscope. Hasil pemotretan dinilai, dan skor yang paling sering muncul (modus) mewakili distribusi smear layer sampel. Hasil: Modus kelompok A adalah 3, yaitu permukaan smear layer tertutup sebagian, dengan beberapa tubulus dentin terbuka, sedangkan kelompok B adalah 4, berarti bahwa dinding saluran akar ditutupi dengan smear layer, dan tidak ada tubulus dentin yang terbuka. Uji statistik menggunakan Uji U Mann-Whitney menunjukkan p=0,221, artinya tidak ada perbedaan signifikan antara kedua kelompok. Simpulan: Efek pembersihan ekstrak okra hijau 25% pada smear layer setara dengan kombinasi EDTA  17% dan NaOCl 2,5%. Oleh karena itu, ekstrak okra hijau 25% berpotensi menjadi alternatif bahan irigasi saluran akar untuk menghilangkan smear layer.

Keywords


Green okra extract, irrigation solution, root canal wall, smear layer, scanning electron microscope

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.24198/jkg.v38i1.61228

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