Fibrin clot adhesion to instrumented conditioned root surfaces by MTAD and normal saline: A scanning electron microscopy study

Abstract

Background and Aim: Smear layer removal and formation of a stable bond between the blood clot and root surface are desirable for periodontal healing, which can be achieved by root biomodifiers. The objective of this in-vitro study was to evaluate the root surface changes in terms of fibrin clot adhesion subsequent to the application of MTAD (mixture of doxycycline (a tetracycline isomer), citric acid, and polysorbate-80 (a detergent) and normal saline. Materials and Methods: Twenty human single-rooted teeth were collected and grouped into Saline (Group I) and MTAD Biopure (Group II) treatment groups containing 10 teeth in each group. After root conditioning, fresh human blood was applied to each root specimen and was allowed to clot, and subsequently, samples were dehydrated in a graded series of ethanol and visualized under scanning electron microscope. Results: The highest blood clot attachment score was observed with roots treated with MTAD and the least results were observed with control group saline. Conclusion: Specimens treated with MTAD best supported the fibrin clot attachment. Saline was least effective of all the samples, showing the presence of the smear layer.