Determination of effective concentration of chitosan gel as an intracanal lubricant on smear layer removal: A scanning electron microscope study

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effective concentration of indigenously prepared chitosan gel for smear layer removal. Materials and Methodology: Thirty single-rooted premolars were decoronated to a standard length enlarged along with irrigation of 2 mL 3% NaOCl on each change of instrument. Specimens were then divided into three equal groups. In the first group, 0.1% chitosan gel was used as a lubricating agent and final rinsing was done with 2 ml saline. Similarly, in other two groups, 0.2% and 0.3% chitosan gel was used as a lubricating agent and finally rinsed with saline. Samples were longitudinally sectioned subjected to scanning electron microscope evaluation for smear score. Results were analyzed statistically by Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney Post hoc analysis. Results: No significant difference between 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% chitosan gel on smear layer removal in the coronal third and in middle and apical third, and there was no significant difference between 0.2% and 0.3% chitosan gels on smear layer removal. Conclusion: All the experimental gel concentrations of chitosan as lubricant showed smear layer removal at all the thirds of the root canal. Smear layer removal was better in the coronal and middle third than in apical third with all the gel concentrations of chitosan. No significant difference in smear layer removal between 0.2%and 0.3% chitosan gel at all the thirds of the canal. Considering the smear layer removal efficacy at minimal concentration, 0.2% chitosan gel can be effective.

Keywords

• chitosan gel
• ethylenediamintetraacetic acid gel
• sodium hypochlorite