Long-time etching at low pH jeopardizes periodontal healing.

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine whether the immediate necrotizing effects of low pH etching agents also impair periodontal healing in the long-term perspective. It was concluded that long-time etching (3 min) at low pH of root surfaces surrounded by vital periodontal issues resulted in impaired periodontal healing. In contrast, short-time etching appeared to promote connective tissue formation by preventing epithelialization of the periodontal wound despite its low pH. However, clinical inferences should be drawn with caution from the present results, since healing results recorded at 8 weeks may not prove to be stable, especially for those cases sensitive to the immediate influence of marginal infection such as connective tissue attachments and epithelial junctions, unless optimal oral hygiene is maintained. Furthermore, the choice of acid may be of importance.