Scanning electron microscopic analysis of the effect of Carisolv gel on periodontally compromised human root surfaces

The aim of this study was to analyze, under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the morphologic characteristics of root surfaces after application of Carisolv gel in association with scaling and root planing (SRP). Sixty periodontally compromised extracted human teeth were randomly assigned to 6 groups: 1) SRP alone; 2) passive topical application of Carisolv + SRP; 3) active topical application of Carisolv + SRP; 4) multiple applications of Carisolv + SRP; 5) SRP + 24% EDTA; 6) topical application of Carisolv + SRP + 24% EDTA. Carisolv gel was applied to root surfaces for 30 s, followed by scaling and root planing, consisting of 50 strokes with Gracey curettes in an apical-coronal direction, parallel to the long axis of the tooth. The only exception was group 4, in which the roots were instrumented until a smooth, hard and glass-like surface was achieved. All specimens were further analyzed by SEM. The results showed that the treatment with Carisolv caused significant changes in root surface morphology of periodontally compromised teeth only when the chemical agent was actively applied (burnishing technique). Carisolv failed to remove the smear layer completely, especially with a single application, independently of the method of application. Multiple applications of Carisolv were necessary to achieve a smear layer reduction comparable to that obtained with 24% EDTA conditioning.