Usage of naturally available herbal-based products in endodontics: ‘Naturodontics’: A research-based survey of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: Irrigation is a major part of successful root canal treatment due to the fulfilment carried out of various essential mechanical, chemical and miro-biological functions that include the healing of periapical tissues. This way, they reach areas of the root canal wall easier, which are not touched by any mechanical instrumentation. The important factor is to go for the initial and primary endodontic treatment, otherwise known as root canal treatment. The focus should be on using root canal disinfection to prevent infection. The widely used endodontic irrigant is sodium hypochlorite. It has many limitations; therefore, there has been a study going on for many years to replace to get an ideal root canal irrigant! Various studies are being conducted in an attempt to replace sodium chloride with newer root canal irrigants. There has been wide research conducted for several years to use new endodontic irrigant materials in place of sodium hypochlorite and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Many solutions are available in the new age practice of endodontic practice with plenty of advantages. Hence the objective of this study is to conduct an in depth research of such available literature in lieu of usage of natural based products in endodontics. Materials and Methods: By making use of the Google Scholar, MEDLINE and PubMed databases, this study has been conducted. Large data covering the relevant and potential literature, along with review articles in the English language were looked upon. Results: The extensive research of literature resulted in the varied examples of the usage of herbal products in the field of endodontics are pulp–dentine repair, cleaning, disinfection, removal of smear layer, sealer cement for lubricating, removal of obturation material by dissolving it, etc. This signifies that there is a strong possibility for establishing the fact that herbal based products can be effectively be used in endodontics with further detailed studies being conducted. Conclusion: As per the research conducted, “Naturodontics” does have a good potential although there is an extensive need for elaborative in-vitro and in-vivo studies, confirming the same.

Keywords

• endodontic procedure
• ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
• herbal products
• natural therapy
• sodium hypochlorite