EDTA STANDARDS V/S HERBAL INNOVATION: TURMERIC AS A NOVEL ALTERNATIVE TO EDTA IN SMEAR LAYER REMOVAL – A SEM STUDY
Dr. Anil Dhingra, Dr. Anushka Rawat, Dr. Pulkit Gupta, Dr. Seema Dixit, Dr. Anshdeep Singh, Dr. Sheetal Grover
Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Seema Dental College & Hospital, Rishikesh-249203, Uttarakhand, India.
ABSTRACT – Introduction: The smear layer, a by-product of root canal instrumentation, can hinder disinfection and sealing in endodontics. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is the standard irrigant for smear layer removal but has limitations, including cytotoxicity and dentinal erosion. Turmeric, with its chelating, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, presents a potential natural alternative. Objectives: To primary objective of the study was to compare the efficacy of 17% EDTA and 20% herbal turmeric extract for smear layer removal, particularly focusing on dentinal tubule exposure. Methods: An ex-vivo study was conducted using 202 human permanent teeth, divided into two groups. Group 1 was irrigated with 17% EDTA, and Group 2 with 20% turmeric extract. Irrigation solutions were delivered using a 30-gauge needle and agitated with passive ultrasonic irrigation. Specimens were split and analyzed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to assess smear layer removal using a scoring system ranging from 1 (complete removal) to 4 (no removal). Results: EDTA showed superior results in the coronal region (p=0.00055) and slightly better overall efficacy (p=0.054). However, both irrigants performed similarly in the apical third (p=0.535), with partial smear layer removal observed. Conclusion: Turmeric extract demonstrated comparable efficacy to EDTA in the apical third and is a promising natural alternative with added biocompatibility benefits. However, its staining potential in aesthetic regions warrants further research to optimize its use. Integrating turmeric into endodontics could revolutionize dental care by offering a safer, holistic approach.
Keywords: 17% EDTA, 20% Herbal Turmeric extract, Smear layer removal, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Root canal treatment.