Root canal disinfection and maintenance of the remnant tooth tissues by using grape seed and cranberry extracts

The purpose of this study was to perform an integrative review on the effects of cranberry and grape seed extracts concerning the disinfection of root canals maintaining the strength of the remnant tooth tissues’ structure. A bibliographical search was carried out on the PubMed electronic platform using the following key terms: cranberry, grape seed, vaccinium macrocarpon, proanthocyanidin, antibacterial, antimicrobial, decontamination, disinfection, bacteria removal, bacteria eradication, bacteria elimination, endodontic, root canal, faecalis, and strength. The inclusion criteria involved articles published in the English language, until March, 2022, reporting the antibacterial effect of grape seed and cranberry extracts. Of 185 studies identified, 13 studies were selected for the present review. The grape seed extract (GSE), composed of proanthocyanidins, showed an antioxidant activity against the main bacteria found in endodontic secondary infection. The percentage of bacteria removal was recorded at around 96.97% by using GSE. Studies on cranberry extracts, which are composed of proanthocyanidins, revealed antimicrobial effects against bacteria related to periodontitis and dental caries. Additionally, GSE or cranberry allowed the dentin collagen cross-linking that preserved the 3D collagen network leading to the maintenance of the strength of the remnant tooth structure. However, the contaminated smear layer could not be removed by using only GSE or cranberry. Cranberry extracts and GSE revealed a significant antimicrobial activity in endodontic disinfection without changing the mechanical properties of the remnant dentin tissues. Furthermore, those components can be associated with traditional compounds to enhance their antimicrobial effects and eliminate the smear layer.