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The pulpal response to topically applied citric acid
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, and Oral Pathology
|August 1, 1984
Summary
Topical citric acid (pH 1) application for periodontal tissue reattachment therapy showed no adverse effects on the dental pulp in canine premolars. Histological examination confirmed no significant pulpal inflammation or damage compared to saline controls.
Area of Science:
- Periodontology
- Dental Pulp Biology
- Regenerative Dentistry
Background:
- Citric acid is utilized in periodontal therapy to promote the reattachment of tissues to tooth roots.
- Periodontitis can lead to the separation of periodontal tissues from tooth roots.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of topically applied citric acid on the dental pulp.
- To assess potential adverse pulpal responses following citric acid application during periodontal treatment.
Main Methods:
- Citric acid (pH 1) was applied for 3 minutes to instrumented premolar teeth in six dogs.
- Saline solution served as a control, applied to similarly instrumented teeth.
- Pulpal tissues were histologically examined at various time points (1-144 hours) for inflammatory markers and tissue changes.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in pulpal response were observed between citric acid and saline control groups.
- No correlation was found between pulpal response and the thickness of remaining dentin.
- Histological examination revealed no significant inflammatory cell infiltrates, odontoblast displacement, hyperemia, hemorrhage, or irregular dentin formation.
Conclusions:
- Citric acid, at pH 1, does not adversely affect the dental pulp when applied to tooth roots during surgical reattachment procedures.
- The findings support the safety of using citric acid in periodontal regenerative therapy.