An Evaluation of the Smear Layer Removal Efficacy of Three Different Chemical Decalcifying Agents on Periodontally Compromised Root Surfaces: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study.

AIM

Aim of the current research was to assess the smear layer removal efficacy of SofScale, Carisolv gel, and QMix chemical decalcifying substances on periodontally weakened radicular surfaces.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The sample size constituted 60 recently extracted periodontally compromised teeth having a poor prognosis. The samples were allocated at random to one of the following three groups (20 in each): Group I: Scaling and root planing (SRP) with SofScale, Group II: SRP with Carisolv gel, and group III: SRP with QMix. The surfaces thus subjected to treatment were washed with 20 mL of saline and the crown portion was detached at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). Following this, samples were horizontally and vertically segmented employing a diamond circular disk with 150-200 μm thickness. Every sample segment was subjected to rinsing in normal saline and positioned in 2.5% glutaraldehyde solution in 0.1 M phosphate buffer at a pH of 7.4 for at least 24 hours. Samples were evaluated in a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at a magnification of 2000×, and photomicrographs were assessed to establish the degree of radicular biomodification by eliminating the smear layer.

RESULTS

QMix group showed the highest smear layer elimination at 3.56 ± 0.13 in pursuit by Carisolv gel at 3.64 ± 0.11 and SofScale group with 4.68 ± 0.08. The differences amid the groups were statistically significant with <0.001. On multiple contrast assessments of smear layer elimination effectiveness of the dissimilar chemical decalcifying substances employing Tukey's HSD, statistically significant differences were noted between group I and group II, as well as group I and group III ( <0.001). However, there were no significant differences between group II and group III ( >0.001).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, QMix was noted to have a superior smear layer elimination capacity in comparison with the radicular surfaces conditioned with Carisolv and SofScale.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Modifying the surface of teeth by radicular conditioning causes the enhanced attachment of connective tissues coupled with progression in the final aim of reconstructive periodontal therapy. The utility of chemical substances along with physical management characterizes the probability of reduced trauma during treatment, avoiding the sacrifice of radicular portions of teeth.