Mechanical and acid root treatment on periodontally affected human teeth: a scanning electronic microscopy

ABSTRACT

Aim: To evaluate the root topography of human teeth affected by periodontitis, after different root surface treatments. Methods: Forty-two periodontally affected single-rooted human teeth were selected and randomly divided into 7 groups (n=6) Cont- control group, which received no treatment; Sca- root surface scaling and root planning with curettes; ScaPh- Sca followed by 37%phosphoric acid gel etching for 15 s; ScaEdta- Sca followed by 24% EDTA gel pH 7 for 1 min; ScaCi- Sca followed by 30% citric acid pH 1.6 for 5 min; ScaTe- Sca followed by - mixture obtained by 500 mg tetracycline capsule dissolved in saline solution for 3 min; ScaTeg- Sca followed by 0.2 g/mL tetracycline gel pH 1.8 for 1 min. The specimens were analyzed by scanning electronic microscopy to verify the presence of calculus, demineralization level and residues of the product. Results: Calculus deposits were found in all control specimens. ScaEdta, ScaCi and ScaTeg removed completely calculus deposits and resulted in adequate demineralization without smear layer and smear plug on root surface. ScaTe produced great tetracycline residues with several demineralization areas on root dentin surface. Conclusions: ScaEdta, ScaCi and ScaTeg produced clean root surfaces associated with regular dentin demineralization.