Cellular reactions in pulpal and periodontal tissues after periodontal wound debridement

Periodontal wounds in monkeys were prepared with a bur followed by the application of microbially contaminated cotton pellets. 3 weeks later, the wounds were debrided by scaling followed by etching with citric acid or by treatment with carbonate/peroxidate. The cellular reactions in the periodontal tissues and in the pulp 4, 11, 25, 39 and 53 days after treatment were followed with light microscopy. The marginal periodontium showed heavy inflammatory reactions immediately after treatment, regardless of the debridement procedure. 25 days after debridement, a long epithelial junction had been formed. The apical part of the epithelium deviated from the root surface into the connective tissue, delineating a heavily inflamed part of the connective tissue. After 39 to 53 days, most of the experimental wounds were covered by an epithelial lining. The pulpal reactions were generally limited to a production of irregular dentin on the pulpal wall facing the periodontal wound. It was concluded that the marginal healing pattern following various chemical treatments to the root surface followed, in all essential aspects, conventional treatment with scaling and root planing.