A Comparison of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid  (EDTA) and Green Tea Extract as Root Canal Chelators On The Basis Of Quality Of Apical Seal Achieved: An In Vitro Study

Objectives: To compare EDTA and Green Tea extracts as Root canal chelators on the basis of apicalseal of tooth root achieved.Methods: This Quasi experimental study was conducted on single canal decoronated teeth of average 14mm length (n=20). Step back preparation was done with MAF of 40 # k file. Between every file change root canals were irrigated in group A with 5.25% NaOCl and the finishing rinse was done with 17% EDTA, in group B, between each file change root canals was irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl and the finishing rinse was done with 10% green tea extract. Green tea extract was prepared by boiling 15 g of green tea powder in 150 ml distilled water at 100°C, yielding 15 ml extract. Both groups were obturated. Application of nail varnish was done to the decoronated teeth leaving 2mm of apex. The teeth were immersed in 2% methylene blue dye solution for a week and the left to dry for 24 hrs. The teeth were vertically split and dye penetration was checked by mm scale.Result: A total of 100 samples were included in the study, with 50 samples allocated to each of the two irrigation protocol groups: Group A (EDTA) and Group B (Green tea extract). Dye penetration was significantly lower in Group A (mean = 4.32 mm, SD = 1.64) compared to Group B (mean = 5.74 mm, SD = 1.43). Independent samples t-test showed this difference to be statistically significant (p =0.000).Conclusion: Green tea extracts was demonstrated less efficacious than EDTA in achieving apical seal with a statistically significant difference. However, green tea extracts have demonstrated promising chelating, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties further preclinical and clinical studies are needed to determine optimal formulation, ideal concentration, application protocols, to validate its clinical effectiveness