Effects of conditioning with different solutions and times on decontamination of root surfaces, adhesion and proliferation of human gingival and periodontal fibroblasts: a study in scanning electron microscopy The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the influence of root surface conditioning on adhesion and proliferation of gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts on human root fragments of teeth extracted for periodontal reasons. Fragments received scaling and root planning (SRP), and were then randomly allocated into groups according to the substance used for root surface treatment (n= 15/grupo): phosphoric acid 37% applied for 90s (PA90) or 180s (PA180); EDTA 24% applied for 90s (EDTA90) or 180s (EDTA180); 10% citric acid pH 1.0 applied for 90s (CA90) or 180s (CA180); 10% citric acid pH 1.0 associated to tetracycline HCL 50% applied for 90s (CATC90) or 180s (CATC180); tetracycline hydrocloride (50mg/ml) applied for 90s (TC90) or 180s (TC180). Control group was composed by SRP treated root fragments, followed by saline solution washing. After treatment completion, specimens (n=3/grupo) were prepared for scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM) analysis, aiming at evaluation of its surfaces according to the following indexes: superficial roughness (SR); residual calculus (RC); loss of tooth substance (LT); tissue residual (TS), smear layer removal (SLR), dentin tubules opening (DTO) and smear layer residual (SLR) in photomicrographs on 500x and 1000x magnifications. In 6 specimens of each group 10 4 gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1) were plated; and over another 6 specimens, 10 4 periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PLF-1). After MEV evaluation, the number of cells adhered to the root surfaces over 24h and 48h were assessed by a calibrated examiner in triplicates. Groups comparison were analyzed through Kruskal-Wallis post-test Dunn for comparisons for non-linear variables, and ANOVA post-test Tuckey for linear variables. Comparison between pairs over 24 and 48 hours was accessed through Kruskal-Wallis post-test Dunn for non-linear variables, and ANOVA post-test Sidak for linear variables. Significance level of 5% was adopted in all tests. There was no statistical difference for SR, LT, TS, SLR, DTO and SLR. Although there was higher amounts of residual calculus on groups TC90 (3,66 ± 0,57; median = 4) and FA180 (3,66 ± 0,57; median = 4) while group CA90 (1,33 ± 0,57; median = 1) showed statistically less residual calculus. A singnificantlly higher HGF-1 cell count was found on EDTA180 (170 ± 77,99) on 24-hour period and a higher proliferative effect (48 hours) on group TTC90 (172,90 ± 65,38). A significantly higher cell adhesion for (PLF-1) was found on group ACTC90 (74,67 ± 98,84) at 24-hour assessment, and higher proliferative effect (48 hours) for AC90 (173,8 ± 139,6). From the data here exposed, it is suggested that the substance election for root surface conditioning should be based on the treatment primary goal: when a new connective tissue adhesion is aimed, EDTA or PA for 180s or TTC for 90s should be chos...