Evaluation and comparison of the efficiency of ultrasonically activated intracanal irrigants grapeseed and pineapple extract in removing smear layer from the apical third of the root canal: An in vitro SEM analysis

ABSTRACT Aim: This study aims to evaluate and compare the efficiency of grapeseed and pineapple extract in removing smear layer from the apical third of root canal, with and without ultrasonic activation. Methods: Eighty single-rooted permanent teeth were divided into two main groups: Group I: conventional syringe irrigation and Group II: ultrasonic activation. Each group was subdivided into two experimental groups, i.e. grapeseed and pineapple extract and one control group, i.e., 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). For each subgroup, instrumentation was done using ProTaper Gold up to size F3 and irrigated with 5 mL of the respective irrigant, followed by a final rinse of 2.5 mL of 5.25% NaOCl. For Group II, the respective irrigant was ultrasonically activated for 1 min, followed by a final rinse of 2.5 mL of 5.25% NaOCl. Smear layer evaluation was done with scanning electron microscope, and data were statistically analyzed. Results: In Group I, both pineapple and grapeseed extracts were more effective than 17% EDTA in removing smear layer from the apical root canal. However, in Group II, 17% EDTA showed highest efficacy in smear layer removal, followed by pineapple and grapeseed extracts ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Natural extracts such as pineapple and grapeseed seeds extracts exhibit potential for smear layer removal in the apical third, without the disadvantage of dentinal erosion from synthetic smear layer removing agents.