ABSTRACT:
Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram-positive bacteria that often causes dental root canal maintenance failures. Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) contain high antibacterial compounds and calcium, which are beneficial for remineralizing and retaining calcium ions in the root canals of teeth. This study aims to determine the effect of moringa leaf irrigation solution on calcium ion release, E. faecalis cell morphology, and surface roughness of the tooth root canal. Moringa leaf extracts with concentrations of 75%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, and 6.25% were made using the maceration method, with CHX 2% as a positive control. Testing was performed on extracted teeth and analyzed using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscope/Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDX). The results showed that moringa leaf irrigation solution at a concentration of 12.5% for 48 hours reduced the release of calcium ions. At a concentration of 6.25%, the antibacterial effect was seen on the cell morphology after 24 hours, while at a concentration of 50%, the effect was seen after 48 hours. The extract also reduced the surface roughness of the root canal at a concentration of 12.5% after 48 hours of incubation. In conclusion, moringa leaf irrigation solution has the potential to be an effective natural antibacterial ingredient in lowering the release of calcium ions and reducing the surface roughness of the root canal.