Attachment, Growth and Synthesis by Human Gingival Fibroblasts on Demineralized or Fibronectin‐Treated Normal and Diseased Tooth Roots

R egeneration of a fibrous attachment to tooth roots previously exposed to periodontal pockets requires interaction between the root surface and fibroblasts. Experiments were designed to assess whether or not fibroblasts will attach, grow and synthesize normally on tooth roots and determine the efficacy of various treatments of diseased root surfaces on these activities. Extracted teeth were collected, washed and stored frozen until used. The roots were sectioned and the surface area determined. All roots were thoroughly planed to remove most of the cementum and some were then treated with fibronectin or citric acid. Each root was placed in a Linbro well and a suspension of fibroblasts in Dulbecco Vogt medium with 10% fetal calf serum added. After cell attachment, each root was transferred to a fresh well and incubated. Some roots were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Attachment and growth were assessed by harvesting and counting cells after various incubation times. The pattern of protein synthesis was determined by preparing fluorographs from cultures pulse labeled with radioactive S 35 ‐methionine. Cells attach and grow on planed root surfaces. The number that attach to normal and diseased roots is greatly enhanced by pretreatment with fibronectin or citric acid. By day three, the cells become confluent at approximately 20,000/cm 2 . The pattern of proteins produced is comparable to that seen in cultures maintained in petri dishes. After root planing, cells attach, grow and synthesize equally well on diseased and normal roots.