In vitro assessment of natural extract as irrigant on root dentin microhardness

Abstract

To determine the effect of a natural extract of stevia rebaudiana of 2.5% concentration on the microhardness of root canal dentine when used as an irrigating solution. This was an in vitro comparative study where hundred and twenty intact single-rooted teeth were selected and decoronated with a diamond bur to get an apical-coronal length of 10 mm and were randomly separated into three groups as per the irrigant used; Group 1 (control): Irrigation with Normal saline, Group 2: Irrigation with Smear Clear solution, Group 3: Irrigation with 2.5% Stevia extract solution.They were prepared using Pro Taper Universal Rotary Files with intermittent irrigation with the respective irrigating solution. The teeth were then embedded in acrylic resin and subjected to Vicker’s Hardness test, and the data obtained were analyzed using one way ANOVA. When Group 2 (51.80 ± 9.80 VHN and 52.66 ± 5.28 VHN) was compared with Group 3 (44.98 ± 4.34 VHN and VHN) the values showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). When Group 3 (44.98 ± 4.34 VHN and VHN) was compared with Group 1(65.37 ± 8.80 VHN and 67.74 ± 9.56 VHN), the values did show a statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Within the limitations of this study, teeth irrigated with normal saline showed the least reduction in microhardness followed by irrigation with Stevia leaf extract solution and Smear Clear.