Survival and Adherence of Apical Stem Cells to Root Canal Dentin after Conditioning with Apple Vinegar

Purpose: To evaluate the survival and adherence of apical stem cells to root canal dentin after conditioning with apple vinegar. Materials and Methods: Stem cells from apical papilla of immature third molars were isolated. Survival of cells was evaluated by MTT test. Adherence of cells was evaluated by level of fibronectin expression and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation. Thirty dentin discs from premolar teeth, extracted for orthodontic purposes, were immersed in 1.5% NaOCl then washed by PBS and finally divided into five groups regarding the final irrigating solution and time of its application. Group I: EDTA for 5 minutes, Group II: Apple vinegar for 5 minutes, Group III: Distilled water for 5 minutes, Group IV: EDTA for 3 minutes and Group V: Apple vinegar for 3 minutes. Cellular morphology was evaluated by SEM. For that part of the study, twelve root segments were longitudinally sectioned into two halves, and then immersed in 1.5% NaOCl, then rinsed with PBS. Finally, they were divided into three groups regarding the final irrigation. Group I: EDTA, Group II: Apple vinegar and Group III: Distilled water. Samples were rinsed and prepared for examination by SEM. Results: The biocompatibility of tested solutions was arranged in descending manner as following: Apple vinegar > EDTA > cells in media, distilled water and saline > NaOCl. Apple vinegar for 5 minutes released highest amount of fibronectin with statistically significant difference from other groups. Conclusion: apple vinegar promoted survival and attachment of SCAPs better than EDTA.