SEM observations of the attachment of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts to non-demineralized dentin surface, in vitro.

Journal Article

Al-Nazhan,, Saad . 2004

• Magazine \ Newspaper: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Endodontology.
• Issue Number: 3
• Volume Number: 97
• Pages: 393-397

Publication Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this investigation was to study in-vitro the attachment behavior of human periodontal ligament

(HPDL) fibroblasts to nondemineralized dentin surface using scanning electron microscope.

Study design. Thirty root slices of freshly extracted human teeth of 4 mm thickness as well as six 5 3 5 mm glass slides

used as a control were used in this study. The dentin surface of the root slices was not treated with any chemicals to

remove the smear layer. The root slices and the glass slides were placed in tissue culture clusters and an amount of 1 ml

of HPDL fibroblast cell suspension was placed over the dentin surface of the root slices and the glass slides. They were

then placed into an incubator at 378C and 100% humidity for 4, 24, and 72 hours. At the end of the incubation, the cells

were fixed with glutaraldehyde and examined microscopically.

Results. Different shapes of fully spread cells were seen. The cells were attached firmly to the dentin surface by the

cytoplasmic extension of the lamellipodia and microvilli which were seen extending inside the opening of the dentinal

tubules.

Conclusion. It was concluded that the human dentin surface provided an excellent surface for attachment of periodontal

ligament fibroblasts. In addition, the smear layer did not affect the cell attachment.