Effect of Salvadora persica Extract (Miswak) on the Dentinal Tubules of Sound Root Dentin: Scanning Electron...

Root dentin is vulnerable to a higher risk of demineralization than coronal enamel. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of miswak extract on the dentinal tubules of sound root dentin.

Twenty bovine root dentin blocks, approximately 2 mm × 3 mm × 3 mm (width × length × depth) in dimensions, were prepared from freshly extracted sound bovine incisors. The sample was divided into two groups: control and miswak group. The control group had sound root dentin block and the miswak test group was treated with miswak extract 20% for 24 h. The two groups of all specimens were subjected to ultrasonication for 10 min. Scanning electron microscope images were analyzed for surface typography.

Fifty percent of the control group had surface particles (SPs), while the other 50% had no SPs. For the dentinal tubules, all (100%) the control group had a mixture of opened and partially opened dentinal tubules. On the other hand, for the miswak group, all (100%) the sample had SPs and blocked dentinal tubules.

Miswak showed total blocking of the dentinal tubules compared to the control group. This might indicate that miswak has a role in reducing dentinal hypersensitivity of exposed root dentin.