Effectiveness of gutta-percha dissolution and safety of using Citrus essential oils

Abstract

Introduction: In cases of endodontic failure, non-surgical retreatment is the preferred therapy, involving the removal of obturation material from the root canals. The use of solvents is indicated for this procedure; however, these often exhibit toxicity and do not meet ideal requirements. This study sought essential oils with good gutta-percha dissolution capacity and antimicrobial activity against pathogens associated with endodontic failures, as well as greater biocompatibility. Methodology: The efficacy of three essential oils from the Citrus genus in dissolving gutta-percha was evaluated. The results were compared to conventional endodontic solvents (C1 - eucalyptol; C2 - endosolv® E; and C3 - chloroform). The chemical profile analysis was conducted using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry; the effectiveness of the essential oils in removing gutta-percha was assessed through disintegration and hardness tests. Antimicrobial activity was measured using turbidimetric analysis against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans, and antioxidant activity was evaluated by scavenging reactive oxygen species. Results: D-limonene was identified as the main compound. Oils 1 and 3 were effective in removing gutta-percha in the hardness test, surpassing C1 and showing results similar to C2. In the disintegration test, oil 3 was the most effective, outperforming C1 and being equivalent to C2. Additionally, oil 3 excelled in antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. Conclusion: It can be concluded that oil 3 (Citrus sinensis) appears to be a viable, safe, and natural alternative compared to conventional solvents, as it contains compounds with effective gutta-percha dissolution capacity, along with complementary activities such as antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.