Smear layer removal from root dentin using tetracycline hydrochloride concentrations. An SEM study

Professor and Program Director, Postgraduate Periodontics Department of Preventive Dental Sciences College of Dentistry, King Saud University P.O. Box 60169 Riyadh 11545, KSAThe scanning electron microscope was used to evaluate the smear layer removal capacity of periodontally diseased teeth subjected to concentrations of 10mmg/ml and 25mg/ml of tetracycline hydrochloride for one and three minutes, respectively. Thirty- six teeth were divided into 3 equal groups. Groups 1 and 2 were burnished with tetracycline hydrochloride for 1 and 3 minutes with the following concentrations 10mg/ml and 25 mg/ml, respectively. Group 3 was burnished with cotton swab saturated in distilled water and served as the control. Results showed that the control group exhibited a smear layer. Tetracycline hydrochloride irrespective of the concentration and timing was effective in removing the smear layer. The 1 and 3 minutes application of tetracycline hydrochloride with a concentration of 25mg/ml revealed widely exposed dentinal tubules. No significant difference (p>0.05) was found between the experimental groups in relation to timing was noted