AN IN-VITRO COMPARATIVE SEM STUDY OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, PALM VINEGAR, POMEGRANATE VINEGAR AND GRAPE VINEGAR ON THE SMEAR LAYER REMOVAL OF ROOT CANALS

The aim of this in-vitro comparative study was to evaluate and compare in-vitro, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the removal of smear layer at the coronal, middle and apical third of root canals irrigated with four natural vinegars which are Apple Cider Vinegar, Palm Vinegar, Pomegranate Vinegar and Grape Vinegar. The objective was to investigate which of the four types of natural vinegars (Apple Cider Vinegar, Palm Vinegar, Pomegranate Vinegar and Grape Vinegar) could be used as the better alternative to a chemical (Sodium hypochlorite), in the removal of smear layer, when used as a root canal irrigant. Fifty human maxillary central incisors were instrumented and the final irrigation was performed with apple cider vinegar, palm vinegar, pomegranate vinegar, grape vinegar and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (control). Smear layer removal was assessed in the cervical, middle, and apical thirds of each specimen under SEM. There was statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) between apple cider vinegar and theother solutions with regard to smear layer removal. The highest amount of smear layer removal was obtained with apple cider vinegar followed by palm vinegar, grape vinegar and pomegranate vinegar.