Evaluation of dentin cleansing by a detergent derived from castor oil (Ricinus communis) used as root canal irrigant: a scanning electron miscroscopy study

Abstract

Introduction and objective: To evaluate, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the cleaning of root canal walls after biomechanical preparation and irrigation with castor oil (Endoquil®) and 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Material and methods: Fifteen maxillary incisors were subjected to standardized root canal instrumentation with different irrigants (n = 5): G1 – Endoquil; G2 – 0.5% NaOCl; G3 – saline solution (control). After instrumentation, the teeth were prepared for SEM analysis (X 2000 original magnification) to evaluate the cleaning of cervical, middle and apical thirds. The area analyzed was quantified according to the percentage of open and closed tubules and data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis tests. Results: Statistical analysis showed that Endoquil was similar to 0.5% NaOCl at the apical third. However, there was statistically significant difference at the cervical and middle thirds, between these two groups. Conclusion: It was concluded that Endoquil presented better results at the middle third while 0.5% NaOCl presented better results at the cervical third; at the apical third, both irrigants were similar.