In vitro effect of citric acid on planed diseased root surfaces
Alonso, C.A.; Mosca, O.A.; Carraro, J.J.
Acta Odontologica Latinoamericana Aol 3(1-2): 18 20-5
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0326-4815 PMID: 3334540 Document Number: 269363
The purpose of this study was to determine whether dentinal fibers may be exposed by citric acid treatment and the need for prior root scaling and/or planing. Sixteen teeth from 12 periodontal patients ranging from 35 to 50 years of age were studied. Teeth were selected for extraction when pockets were over 10 mm in depth. After extraction, teeth were divided into four groups. In Group I, citric acid pH I was applied during 3 minutes to the diseased root surface without prior instrumentation. In Group II, the root surface was scaled and planed with sharp curettes until hard, smooth and clinically healthy root surface was found. In Group III, the root surface was only tightly scaled, eliminating soft and hard deposits, and citric acid was also applied for 3 minutes. In Group IV, citric acid was also applied during 3 minutes on previously scaled and planed root surfaces. Each group consisted of four specimens. Specimens were studied by means of a Jeol S 25 scanning electron microscope. Results showed that dentinal fibers could be plentifully exposed by acid treatment, provided roots were previously scaled and planed. Citric acid treatment and/or scaling alone or root scaling plus planing proved ineffective. The clinical relevance of these findings is discussed.