Comparison of fibrin clot adhesion to dentine conditioned with citric acid, tetracycline, and ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid: An in vitro scanning electron microscopic study

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the root surface changes subsequent to the application of citric acid, tetracycline, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and the combination of citric acid and tetracycline, and its influence on the adhesion of a fibrin clot with and without mild disruptive forces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 periodontally diseased root specimens were grouped into Saline (control Group I), 24% EDTA gel (Group-II), Citric acid (Group-III), Tetracycline (Group IV), and Citric acid + tetracycline (Group V) treatment groups containing 20 in each. After root conditioning, fresh human blood was applied to each root specimen and was allowed to clot. Ten specimens in each group were rinsed in phosphate-buffered saline and designated as ′Non-agitated′. The remaining ten specimens from each group were rinsed in phosphate-buffered saline on a rotary shaker and designated as ′Agitated′. The roots were processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess and compare the clot adhesion on them. The scores were compared through standard statistical packages. RESULTS: The highest mean blood clot adhesion score was observed in roots treated with a combination of citric acid and tetracycline, whereas, the least score was observed in roots treated with saline. CONCLUSION: The root specimens treated with the combination of citric acid and tetracycline as well as citric acid alone, best supported the fibrin clot. Tetracycline alone appeared to be less effective in supporting the clot. EDTA gel of 24% was least effective to promote the adhesion of a fibrin clot.