Influence of concentration,time and method of application of citric acid and sodium citrate in root conditioning

Objective: the aim of this study was to establish the parameters of concentration,time and mode of application of citric acid and sodium citrate in relation to root conditioning. material and methods: a total of 495 samples were obtained and equally distributed among 11 groups (5 for testing different concentrations of citric acid,5 for testing different concentrations of sodium citrate and 1 control group). after laboratorial processing,the samples were analyzed under scanning electron microscopy. a previously calibrated and blind examiner evaluated micrographs of the samples. non-parametric statistical analysis was performed to analyze the data obtained. results: brushing 25% citric acid for 3 min,promoted greater exposure of collagen fibers in comparison with the brushing of 1% citric acid for 1 minute and its topical application at 1% for 3 min. sodium citrate exposed collagen fibers in a few number of samples. conclusion: despite the lack of statistical significance,better results for collagen exposure were obtained with brushing application of 25% citric acid for 3 min than with other application parameter. sodium citrate produced a few number of samples with collagen exposure,so it is not indicated for root conditioning.