In vitro evaluation of gingival fibroblasts proliferation and smear layer formation in pre-conditioned root surfaces

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate, in vitro, fibroblastic proliferation on chemically conditioned root surfaces. Methods: Forty single-rooted human teeth, were cut into fragments and divided into four groups (n=20): GI (control) - scaling and root planing (SRP); GII - SRP + conditioning with 10% citric acid; GIII - SRP + conditioning with 24% EDTA gel and GIV - SRP + conditioning with 50 mg/ml of tetracycline hydrochloride. The fibroblasts were placed on these surfaces and cell proliferation evaluated using Trypan Blue stain. Smayer layer formation was analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy. Results: The results revealed that the chemical conditioners used were incapable of effectively removing the smear layer. However, when compared to the other groups, GIII showed the best results regarding removal of the smear layer (p<0.05). GI demonstrated the greatest cell proliferation at all studied time intervals compared to the chemically treated groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of the present study reveal that all demineralizing agents evaluated presented lower cell proliferation levels when compared to the control group. In addition none of the chemical conditioners used removed the smear layer completely.