Cell attachment to demineralized root surfaces in vitro

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Abstract
The periodontal ligament and crowns were removed from extracted porcine molars and the surface area of each root was determined. Cultured fibroblast‐like cells derived from periodontal ligament were allowed to attach in vitro to the roots, some of which had been demineralized for various periods of time in citric, hydrochloric or ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid. The number of cells that had attached to each root was then counted and expressed as the number of cells per unit area. Significantly more cells attached to demineralized roots than to non‐demineralized roots, the method of demineralization not influencing the result. The number of cells that attached to both citric acid‐demineralized roots and non‐demineralized roots increased with time up to 8 h. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that 3 min of demineralization in citric acid exposed collagen of the root, and that cells attached to both demineralized and mineralized roots. The results suggest that one of the ways in which citric acid‐demineralization of root surfaces could contribute to the reported enhancement of healing of periodontal defects is by improving the attractiveness of the root surface as a substrate to which cells can adhere.