The Effect of Chamomile and Fenugreek on Smear Layer When Used as RCI: Scanning Electron Microscope

In this in vitro study, our aims to determine the effect of Matricaria chamomilla Fam. Astraceae and the Trigonella foenum graecum L. Fam. Leguminosae (Chamomile and Fenugreek) on smear layer when used as root canal irrigants. This study was in vitro in Saudi Arabia. The least possible sample size to achieve an accuracy of 5% marginal error with a 95% confidence level. Five specimens from each group. Each specimen was sputter-coated with gold and examined under a scanning electron microscope. The root canal of each specimen was examined by using 2000X magnification. The photographs were qualitatively evaluated for the degree of cleansing and the presence or absence of the smear layer using image analysis software SPSS 27 used for data entry and data analysis. The Quantitative evaluation of the smear layer present on the root canal walls showed the following: on comparison between the two herbs the mean smear layer % present, it was found that: At the apical segment, there was no statistically significant difference between Fenugreek (98±2.6) and Chamomile (93.1±5.6). In the middle segment, Fenugreek (41.5±10.4) showed statistically significantly higher mean smear layer % than Chamomile (5.2±0.8). At the coronal segment, there was no statistically significant difference between Fenugreek (12.7±4.1) and Chamomile (6.2±0.4). Our study concluded the Matricaria chamomilla fraction of 2% could be used instead of sodium hypochlorite as a natural irrigant in the root canal due to its effect on the smear layer removal as it showed a higher effect than the sodium hypochlorite.