Comparatative Evaluation of Sapindus mukorossi Extract, 0.2% Chitosan and 17% EDTA on Root Canal Dentine Erosion – An in vitro Study

Background: Dental erosion occurs when tooth structure is chemically dissolved by acids or chelating agents. In endodontics, EDTA is commonly used to clear the smear layer, but extended contact can also weaken dentin through demineralization and surface changes. These drawbacks have encouraged exploration of safer options, with agents such as Sapindus mukorossi extract and chitosan showing promise as biocompatible alternatives. This study evaluates their potential alongside EDTA to identify irrigation strategies that balance cleaning efficiency with dentin preservation. Aim: This study aims to comparatively evaluate the effects of Sapindus mukorossi extract, 0.2% chitosan, and 17% EDTA on root canal dentinal erosion. Study Design: In vitro study conducted at the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, KVG Dental College and Hospital, Sullia (November–December 2024). Materials and Methods: A total of 64 extracted human single-rooted maxillary and mandibular premolars were selected for this study. The teeth were randomly allocated into three experimental groups and one control group, each comprising 16 samples per group as follows: Group I (n = 16): Ethanolic extract of Sapindus mukorossi Group II (n = 16):2% Chitosan Group III (n = 16): 17% EDTA Group IV (n = 16): Distilled water (control) Extracted human premolars were randomly allocated into four groups, with sixteen samples in each group according to the irrigants used. Group I received irrigation with ethanolic extract of Sapindus mukorossi, Group II with 0.2% chitosan, Group III with 17% EDTA, and Group IV with distilled water serving as the control. Following decoronation, the root canals were prepared chemo-mechanically using the assigned irrigant for each group. After instrumentation, the roots were sectioned longitudinally, and dentin blocks were obtained from the middle third of each roots. Each specimen was mounted in epoxy resin, and the degree of dentinal erosion was evaluated using a three-dimensional profilometer. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by t-tests for intergroup comparison Results: Among the different irrigants groups, 17 % EDTA caused the greatest dentin erosion, with a mean value of 0.1438 ± 0.0835. This was followed by Sapindus mukorossi extract (0.1225 ± 0.0576) and 0.2% chitosan (0.1306 ± 0.0574). The control group showed the least erosion, with a mean of 0.0337 ± 0.0212. These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: EDTA caused the greatest degree of root canal dentin erosion. Sapindus mukorossi extract and chitosan demonstrated comparable erosive effects. These results indicate that the experimental irrigants could serve as potential alternatives to conventional agents, providing similar efficacy with possibly fewer adverse effects.