Application of Fresh Lemon Juice as a Root Surface Conditioning Agent—An Exploratory Study

Presence of a smear layer on root surface is detrimental to success of regenerative periodontal surgery. Citric acid has been used as a root surface conditioning agent regularly. Naturally occurring citric acid in lemon fruit juice has not been explored as a root surface conditioning agent. Aim: To explore and assess the efficacy of lemon juice as a root surface conditioning agent and its efficacy over citric acid. Materials and methods: Single rooted teeth indicated for extraction due to periodontal diseases, were sectioned, instrumented with curettes and treated with citric acid, normal saline and fresh lime juice. Treated samples were studied under scanning electron microscope. Results: Application of various root conditioning agents reveals that application of lemon juice for 7 min was able to clear the smear layer and expose a good number of dentinal tubules which was comparable to that of citric acid for 3 min. Conclusion: Fresh lemon juice was able to remove smear layer after its application for 7 minutes.