J. Sowjanyaa, Toby Thomas, C. S. Chandana

Abstract

The desired outcome of endodontic treatment is to get rid of bacteria in the root canal and to provide a very good seal of root canal filling materials. It has been exhibited that smear layer was found covering the root canal walls after instrumentation of the root canal. The use of herbal alternatives as a root canal irrigant is advantageous as it eliminates the undesirable characteristics of chemical irrigants. Alternative irrigants are proven to be safe and contain active constituents that have beneficial physiologic effect and curative property such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and radical scavenging activity. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, Triphala, and German chamomile on smear layer removal of prepared root canal walls by scanning electron microscopy.