Effect of various techniques of tetracycline hydrochloride demineralization on root dentin surface: A scanning electron microscopic study

Abstract

Aim : To evaluate the in-vitro effect of various techniques of Tetracycline Hydrochloride application on root dentin surface at different magnifications of scanning electron microscopic (SEM). Materials and Methods : Twenty human teeth were collected and stored in distilled water after soft tissue removal using hand instruments. The apical third of each root was removed remaining mid-third region was sectioned longitudinally through the root canal following removal of its cementum with a tapered fissure bur. The dentin blocks were divided into 4 groups having 5 samples in each group. A tetracycline hydrochloride solution was prepared by adding the contents of one 500 mg capsule to 5 ml of distilled water. The application time of the tetracycline hydrochloride was 5 minutes. After the treatment of the root surfaces, the samples were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde prepared in phosphate buffer (pH 7.3) for 24 hours at 4°C and prepared for SEM. Mean and standard deviation were estimated from the samples for each study group. Mean values were compared by either ONE-WAY ANOVA with Tukey - HSD procedure. Results : All technique of tetracycline application shows removal of smear layer and exposure of dentinal tubule orifices. Burnishing technique showed significant difference than immersion technique and saturation technique. Conclusion : In view of these present findings, tetracycline hydrochloride as a root conditioner may be evaluated in vivo studies. It is reasonable to expect lesser tissue destruction and better regeneration of periodontal tissues if it is used as a root conditioner during periodontal regeneration procedures.