Removal of microbes is imperative during endodontic therapy. Due to their antimicrobial property, silver nanoparticles have been used for endodontic irrigation of the root canals. The objective of the present study was to provide a qualitative analysis of the published literature assessing silver nanoparticles as root canal irrigants. A search of PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Embase databases was done without any time restriction. Articles published in English were included. Data were extracted and the risk of bias was assessed. Of the 154 studies identified, after screening according to the inclusion criteria, five in vitro studies were included. The results indicate that silver nanoparticles have an anti-microbial effect to varying degrees depending on certain factors. Within the limitations of the present studies that have a moderate to low risk of bias, an antimicrobial effect of silver nanoparticles is observed. Silver nanoparticles have the potential to be used as endodontic irrigants, although their efficacy depends on particle size and the duration of contact which require further investigation.
Keywords: antimicrobials; endodontics; irrigant; root canal; silver nanoparticles.