Effect of Citric Acid Treatment on Initial Attachment of Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblast-like Cells (in vitro)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the initial attachment of human periodontal ligament fibroblast-like cells to periodontally affected root surfaces after demineralization with citric acid (pH 1, 3 min., 37°C), in vitro. Fourteen roots were obtained from 12 patients whose teeth were freshly extracted. The roots were prepared so that a comparison could be madebetween the initial attachments to citric acid demineralized (test group) and non-acid-treated (control group) instrumented diseased cementum (scaled and root planed), dentin and nondiseased cementum. The adherence of the fibroblast-like cells was determined by LM using an ocular grid system and orientation was evaluated by SEM. Results indicated that initial attachment was observed favorably in citric acid treated groups but with no significant difference.