Effect of citric acid conditioning on fibroblast cell density in periodontal wounds

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Abstract
The present experiment was undertaken to study the repopulation of curetted root surfaces by fibroblast-like cells in experimental periodontal wounds. 6 beagle dogs were used. After reflecting mucoperiosteal flaps, fenestration wounds were made through the buccal cortical plate exposing roots of maxillary canines in 6 beagle dogs. Exposed root surfaces were curetted to remove cementum and periodontal ligament. On 1 side, the exposed root surface was conditioned with citric acid (pH 1) for 3 min while the contralateral root was treated with distilled water. Millipore filters were placed over the wounds to prevent flap connective tissues from contacting the exposed root surface. Histometric analysis was made 10 days after wounding. Fibroblast-like cells were seen migrating into the fenestration space and were primaril aligned along the root surface. Cell densities measured at the borders and central part of the wound showed significantly lower values (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) in acid-conditioned wounds compared to controls. No significant difference in cell density was noted between the borders and central part of the wound in the acid-conditioned group. In the controls, the cell density at the borders was significantly greater than at the center, suggesting active cell migration from the borders. The present findings suggest that citric acid conditioning of root dentin may result in a low cell density during the early stages of healing in experimental periodontal wounds.