Effect of various root surface treatments on the viability and attachment of human gingival fibroblasts

Periodontally involved extracted human teeth were either untreated or were treated with root planing, citric acid, or root planing followed by citric acid. Following incubation of the roots, in the presence of normal human gingival fibroblasts for varying periods of time, cells were assayed for viability by radioactive label (51Cr). In addition, the ability to promote attachment and growth of gingival fibroblasts, by root treatment as above, was observed. The results of multiple experiments in each category indicated strongly that none of the roots, regardless of treatment or nontreatment, had any significant adverse affect on the viability of the cells. However, only root-planed roots, whether or not citric acid was used, promoted cell attachment and growth.