Ozonated olive oil gel versus nano-silver mouthwash in root biomodification: A scanning electron microscopic study

Abstract

Aim: This in vitro scanning electron microscopic (SEM) study was planned to assess and compare the effect of ozone gel versus nano-silver mouthwash when used as a root bio-modifier on the surface of the periodontally affected extracted roots. Materials and Methods: Twenty single-rooted teeth were selected for this in vitro cross-sectional study. The teeth were decoronated and split longitudinally to form 40 radicular halves. They were randomly allocated to four groups of 10 fragments each. Then, the other groups were scaled. Group 1: left untreated (non-scaled) (Negative control group). Group 2: treated with saline (Positive control group). Group 3: treated with ozone gel 20:25 µgm/ml concentration. Group 4: treated with nano-silver mouthwash. The specimens were prepared to undergo scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis (SEM-EDX) to determine the percentage of calcium (Ca) atom. Further, the acquired photomicrographs were evaluated for the presence of calculus, smear layer, and product residues and they were analyzed using Fisher Exact test followed by Dunn’s test. SEM-EDX were analyzed by ANOVA test followed by Tukey’s post hoc test for a pairwise comparison between groups. Results: The nano-silver mouthwash treated group showed the absence of the smear layer and calculus and had significantly higher residue levels than ozone-treated specimens (P = 0.001), whereas the ozone group showed that the smear layer was not completely removed with the absence of remnant of the material. The negative control group scored the highest level in the presence of calculus compared with other examined groups (P = 0.001). Interestingly, the nano-silver treated group showed a significant decrease in Ca levels compared with all other experimental groups. Conclusion: The nano-silver mouthwash removed the smear layer effectively and provided notable substantivity, as evidenced by the presence of the material remnant after application. Moreover, it decreased Ca level significantly compared with all other experimental groups, which is expected to increase cellular attachment and proliferation. Thus, using the nano-silver mouthwash as a root bio-modifier could yield better results in periodontal reattachment.