Effects of aluminium chloride solution on gingival blood flow

objective:This study was to determine the effects of two AlCl3 retraction agents and a normal saline solution on the gingival blood flow (GBF) in subjects with healthy gingiva, before and after gingival retraction. Materials and Methods: The two AlCl3 agents were used in an experimental (MU formula and ViscoStat® Clear). The GBFs were monitored before and after gingival retraction for 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes using a laser Doppler flowmeter. The effects of two chemical retraction agents and normal saline on the periodontal tissues before and 7 days after gingival retraction were also determined. Results: The mean GBFs were significantly decreased at cord placement for all groups, and were significantly increased after a cord removal (p<0.05). The increase in GBF was still observed after cord removal for 5, 10, 15 and 20 min. The response of GBF to all chemical agents was in a similar pattern. The reduction in GBF after placement of a gingival retraction cord impregnated with normal saline was 35%, for ViscoStat® Clear it was 50%, and for the MU formula it was 75%, but no significant difference between all experimental groups was found (p>0.05). The means probing depth, gingival index and plaque index after gingival retraction for 7 days of all groups were not significantly different from those at baseline (p>0.05). Conclusion:The ability of the MU formula to control hemorrhage was comparable to that of the commercial product (ViscoStat® Clear). No undesirable effects on the periodontal tissues were observed.