Comparative Evaluation of Microhardness and Color Change of Root dentin using Punica granatum (pomegranate extract), Sodium hypochlorite, Chlorhexidine and Normal saline as an Endodontic irrigant – An in vitro study

Aim: To evaluate the microhardness and change in color of root dentin using Punica granatum, sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine and normal saline as an endodontic irrigant and to implement their use in field of dentistry. Materials and Methods: 60 single rooted anterior teeth extracted due to periodontal and orthodontic reasons were collected. All the samples were decoronated to achieve constant length of 14mm. Patency of root canal was established using 10k file and working length was determined 1mm short of the file length. Each canal was prepared till F3 protaper. After preparation the samples were randomly divided into 4 groups: Group 1: Saline (Control); Group 2: 5% Sodium Hypochlorite; Group 3: 2% Chlorhexidine; Group 4: 5% Punica granatum (pomegranate peel extract). After grouping the samples were longitudinally sectioned. One half of the tooth sample was used for microhardness testing using Vickers microhardness indentor and the other half of sample was used for color change evaluation using spectrophotometer after irrigation with the test solutions on day 1 and day 7th post irrigation. Results: The mean microhardness in all four groups decreased comparatively at post as compared to pre and the decrease was evident highest in sodium hypochlorite followed by chlorhexidine, pomegranate and saline the least. In regard to color change sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine and pomegranate all showed visible color changes after 7 day of irrigation with pomegranate showing the highest color change. Higher lightness was shown in Group 2 i.e., sodium hypochlorite whereas redness was seen more in Group 4 i.e., pomegranate and yellowish tint was more visible in Group 3. Conclusion: 5% Punica granatum has showed negligible effect on microhardness of dentin but showed maximum color change when compared to chlorhexidine, sodium hypochlorite and saline.