Comparative SEM study on the effect of root conditioning with EDTA or tetracycline Hcl on periodontally involved root surfaces.

This study compared the surface characteristics of periodontally diseased single human teeth extracted after treatment with either EDTA or Tetracycline Hcl. The study was comprised of 30 teeth from 20 patients with advanced periodontal disease. Diseased root surfaces were root planed by hand curette or finishing bur. The teeth were sectioned and solutions of EDTA (pH 7.3) or Tetracycline Hcl (pH 1.8) were applied to the surface with cotton pellets for 3 minutes using light pressure. Specimens were processed and examined by Scanning Electron Microscope. The surfaces of both etched treated sets of specimens differed considerably from specimens treated with root planing alone, regardless of the root planing method. The etched specimens exhibited numerous dentinal tubules exposed by the removal of smear layer.

A four-year clinical follow-up of nonvital root resection in maxillary molar teeth.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the success of non-vital root resected maxillary molar teeth over a period of four years. Fourteen root resected maxillary molar teeth were evaluated for mobility and probing depth in the area of root resection. Only one failure was observed over a period of four years follow-up. It was observed that removal of one root neither increase the tooth mobility nor the probing depth in most of the cases. It is concluded that non-vital root resection should be considered before molar extraction, because this treatment can provide good results with long term success, provided appropriate patient selection. This procedure can be practised by general dentists with little effort.