EFEKTIVTAS EKSTRAK BUAH OKRA HIJAU (Abelmoschus esculentus) 50% DALAM MENGHILANGKAN SMEAR LAYER PADA DINDING SALURAN AKAR GIGI

Abstract

Introduction: Root canal treatment aims to remove infected pulp tissue and prevent reinfection, the success of which is heavily influenced by the removal of the smear layer from the root canal walls. The smear layer formed during instrumentation can hinder the penetration of filling materials and reduce the success of the treatment. Commonly used irrigation agents, such as 2.5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA, have limitations, including toxicity to periapical tissues and the potential for dentine demineralisation. Therefore, safer and more effective alternative irrigation agents are required. Green okra extract (Abelmoschus esculentus) contains saponins as natural surfactants and oxalic acid as a chelating agent, which have the potential to remove both organic and inorganic components of the smear layer. It is hypothesised that increasing the extract concentration to 50% may enhance cleaning efficacy. Consequently, this study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a 50% green okra extract as an alternative irrigation agent in removing the smear layer from the walls of dental root canals. Method: This research is an experimental laboratory study using a post-test only control group design. The samples consisted of 10 mandibular first premolars divided into two groups: A control group 17% EDTA + 2.5% NaOCl and B group 50% green okra extract. Root canal preparation was performed using the step-back technique, followed by irrigation according to each group. After treatment, the samples were sectioned at the middle third of the root and observed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) at 5000× magnification. Smear layer cleanliness was evaluated using Hülsmann scoring criteria, and the data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney test. Conclusions: A 50% green okra extract is effective in removing the smear layer from root canal walls, demonstrating a moderate level of cleanliness score 2 and comparable effectiveness to the combination of 17% EDTA and 2.5% NaOCl.