Scanning electron microscopy study to evaluate and compare fibrin clot adhesion over the root surface treated with tetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease caused by a group of specific microorganisms that provoke the destruction of the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone, along with pocket formation or recession, or both. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of tetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline in improving fibrin clot adhesion over manually instrumented periodontally affected root surfaces with the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 45 single-rooted extracted teeth were sectioned into 45 dentinal blocks and divided into 3 groups: tetracycline (group I); doxycycline (group II); and minocycline (group III). A drop of blood was added over the dentinal blocks, allowed to clot, and later rinsed with phosphatebuffered saline (PBS),1% formaldehyde, and 0.02% glycine. Then, the surfaces were post-fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde and dehydrated in a graded ethanol series of 30%, 50%, 75%, 90%, 95%, and 100%. Afterward, the samples were examined under a SEM to assess fibrin clot adhesion and the number of blood cells. RESULTS: Minocycline demonstrated better fibrin clot adhesion, followed by tetracycline and doxycycline. Statistical significance was observed at ×2,000 magnification (p = 0.021), whereas no significance was noted at ×5,000 magnification. CONCLUSIONS: Dentinal blocks treated with minocycline had a better fibrin network and a greater number of entrapped erythrocytes, which is vital in the early wound-healing process leading to the formation of connective tissue attachment.

Comparative evaluation of diode laser alone and in combination with desensitizing toothpaste in occlusion of dentinal tubules - A SEM study.

Background: In regular dental practice, dentinal hypersensitivity is a common oral condition affecting the adult population. Although a variety of treatment procedures are available, there is no single method that proved to be potent in eliminating dentine hypersensitivity and providing patients with complete relief. Hence the present study performed to estimate the occlusion of dentinal tubules using a diode laser alone and in combination with various desensitizing toothpaste, using the scanning electron microscope. Materials and methods: This in-vitro study consisted of five groups wherein cervical cavities were prepared on the extracted teeth followed by the application of 17% EDTA. The cavities were then treated with Novamin toothpaste, pro-arginine toothpaste, diode laser, and in combinations respectively. Then SEM analysis was done and the results obtained were statistically analyzed using tukey's multiple post hoc analysis for intra and inter group comparisons. Results: The groups which were treated with a combination of diode laser and the desensitizing agent showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) better dentinal tubule occlusion than other groups. Conclusion: The use of a diode laser has an added benefit in treating dentinal tubule occlusion when compared to desensitizing kinds of toothpaste.