Review of Literature on Herbal Irrigants

Abstract

The success of endodontic treatment is directly related to the reduction in the number of root canal microorganisms which depends on combination of appropriate instrumentation, effective irrigation and decontamination of root canal spaces to apices, and obturation of the root canals. Irrigation of the root canal system is paramount in determining periapical tissue healing. Irrigating solutions are very important during root canal preparation because they aid in the cleaning of root canal, lubricate the files, flush out debris, have antimicrobial effect, provide tissue dissolution without damage to the periapical tissues.The Irrigants currently used are Sodium hypochlorite, Chlorhexidine and Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. But all these irrigants have their own drawbacks and toxicity. Neither of these are totally effective and safe. Moreover, due to the constant increase in antibiotic resistance, the researchers are looking for herbal irrigants. These natural plant extracts have good antimicrobial and therapeutic effects and minimal or no cytotoxicity suggesting their potential to be used as an endodontic irrigant.