Abstract

Background: Since chronic periodontitis has destroyed the root surface, it is challenging for fibroblast cells to bind to
the root during root covering therapy. The ability of the gingival fibroblast to deposit collagen and regain attachment
depends on the root surface microstructure; thus, the surface must be treated to be more compatible with gingiva cells.
Aim of Study: The study aimed to compare the efficiency of EDTA/EMD root conditioning agents and the capability to
modify the root surface at the microstructure grade to deliver a fundamental surface to stimulate fibroblast adherence.
Materials and methods: Healthy extracted teeth were collected; a total of samples (n=30) have been split into a control
group and four test groups, each with six samples. The test groups have been conditioned with either HA, 24% EDTA, EMD,
or EDTA/EMD for two different time intervals. Fibroblast cells were planted on each sample and then incubated for 72
hours. Cell density in groups was determined using the MTT assay.
Results: Adhesion of viable fibroblast to the root surface showed variable results with varied materials and application
times. Generally, it was higher in the longer-time duration groups except for HA. The most favorable result was observed
in the EDTA plus EMD group, followed by the EDTA group when applied for 4 minutes. The least favorable result is with
HA after 2 minutes of application.
Conclusion: EDTA plus EMD group display remarkable root surface modifications that induce fibroblast adhesion to the
surface compared to other groups, as they showed a synergistic effect when applied to the same sample.

Key words: HA: hyaluronic acid; EDTA: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; EMD: Enamel Matrix Derivative; MTT: (3-(4,5-dimethylthi-azol-2-yl)-2,5- diphen-yltetrazolium bromide)