Various Root Conditioning Agents and Their Effectiveness in Peeiodontal Therapy- An In Vitro Scanning Electron Microscopic Study

Abstract

Introduction: Conditioning of root surfaces by the topical application of acid solutions has been introduced as a periodontal regenerative procedure to dissolve the smear layer and to aid in detoxification of any root surface contaminant remaining after root planing. Hence we aimed to investigate the scanning electron microscopic alterations produced on scaled and root planed dentin surfaces after application of citric acid, tetracycline hydrochloride and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).

Materials and Methods: Eighty teeth were made to four groups. In group 1, control group specimens were treated with normal saline for 3 min, group 2 specimens were treated with citric acid, group 3 specimens were treated with tetracycline hydrochloride for 3 min and group 4 specimens were treated with 15% EDTA.

Results: Opening of dentinal tubules was seen in all specimens except for control group that was treated with normal saline. The total number of tubules seen was highest in citric acid group as compared to tetracycline hydrochloride and EDTA Group. The total number of patent tubule opening was highest in citric acid as compared to EDTA and tetracycline. The diameter of patent dentinal tubules in citric acid group was more than EDTA and tetracycline.

Conclusion: Thecitric acid group is more efficient than EDTA and tetracycline HCl group in removing the smear layer and in opening of number of patent dentinal tubules.