The effects of various agents on root surfaces (a scanning electron microscopy study)

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Biomaterials Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Periodontitis causes root surface cementum alterations due to microbial endotoxins.
• Endotoxin removal is crucial for successful new attachment procedures in periodontitis treatment.
• Scaling and root planing are standard procedures to eliminate root surface irritants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of citric acid and tetracycline hydrochloride on periodontally involved root surfaces.
• To compare the efficacy of citric acid and tetracycline HCl in cleaning and preparing root surfaces for new attachment.
• To assess root surface morphology after treatment using scanning electron microscopy.

Main Methods:

• Periodontally involved root surfaces were scaled and root planed.
• Treated surfaces were further subjected to either citric acid or tetracycline hydrochloride application.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the surface morphology of treated and control root surfaces.

Main Results:

• Citric acid treated surfaces exhibited a relatively even morphology with exposed dentinal tubules.
• Tetracycline hydrochloride treated surfaces showed an irregular cemental surface with residual debris.
• Control surfaces (scaled and planed only) were irregular and contained significant amounts of debris.

Conclusions:

• Citric acid treatment appears effective in smoothing periodontally diseased root surfaces, potentially aiding new attachment.
• Tetracycline hydrochloride treatment resulted in a less favorable root surface morphology compared to citric acid.
• Surface preparation with citric acid may enhance the outcomes of regenerative periodontal therapies.