Efficacy of herbal irrigants versus conventional irrigants in smear layer removal: A Scanning electron microscopy study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of herbal irrigants (Panchvalkal extract and grape seed extract) with conventional irrigants (5.25% sodium hypochlorite [NaOCl] and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA]) in smear layer removal using scanning electron microscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This in vitro study was conducted on 48 extracted human maxillary central incisors randomly divided into three groups (n = 16): Group I - Panchvalkal extract (5%), Group II - grape seed extract (5%), and Group III - 5.25% NaOCl with 17% EDTA. Following standard biomechanical preparation and irrigation using side-vented needles, samples were sectioned longitudinally and examined under scanning electron microscopy at ×2000. Smear layer removal was assessed at coronal, middle, and apical levels. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed among the groups (P < 0.05). Group III demonstrated the highest smear layer removal efficacy at coronal, middle, and apical levels, followed by Group I, whereas Group II showed the least effectiveness, particularly at the apical level. Smear layer removal was greatest at the coronal level and least at the apical level across all groups. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the present study, conventional irrigants (5.25% NaOCl with 17% EDTA) demonstrated superior smear layer removal efficacy compared to herbal irrigants. Panchvalkal extract showed moderate efficacy and may serve as a potential biocompatible alternative endodontic irrigant.