Evaluation of Effect of Natural Extract Sodium Gluconate on Smear Layer and Dentine Decalcification Compared with EDTA – An In-vitro Study

OBJECTIVE: Mechanical instrumentation of the root canal system generates a smear layer on the canal walls which are removed most commonly with the help of chelators such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) but can potentially cause severe dentinal erosion. Considerable research has been conducted to find an alternative to EDTA which removes the smear layer without causing dentinal erosion. The current study aimed at evaluating the ability of sodium gluconate compared with that of 17% EDTA in smear layer removal along with its effect on dentine decalcification when used as a final irrigant. METHODS: Twenty single-rooted mandibular premolars were collected and prepared based on the pre-set criteria. Following preparation, the specimens were exposed to the test solutions as a final irrigant. Then the specimens were subjected to (Scanning electron microscope) SEM analysis at 1000x for evaluating the smear layer and 5000x for evaluating the dentinal erosion, and a Vickers microhardness tester was used for evaluating the reduction in dentine microhardness post-treatment. The values obtained were analysed using SPSS software for a statistically significant difference with Mann-Whitney U test for evaluating of smear layer removal and dentinal erosion and using one-way (Analysis of variance) ANOVA test for microhardness evaluation. RESULTS: The smear layer removal capability of sodium gluconate was as effective as EDTA on the contrary sodium gluconate did not cause any dentinal erosion compared to EDTA with a statistically significant difference (p=0.002 in middle third and p=0.001 in apical third of the canal). Microhardness reduction caused by sodium gluconate was less compared to EDTA, however, no statistically significant difference (p=0.113) was noted. CONCLUSION: Sodium gluconate, therefore, can produce a balance between smear layer removal and dentinal decalcification and can be considered a potential alternative to EDTA.