Tissue responses in the rat to trichloracetic acid ‐ an agent used in the treatment of invasive cervical resorption*

Abstract

Abstract The tissue responses in rats following topical application of 90 per cent trichloracetic acid to the palatal mucosa, and to a wound involving periodontal tissues, tooth root and bone were histologically evaluated. Coagulation necrosis of palatal and gingival mucosa was followed by oedema, splitting and separation of the eschar with rapid re‐epithelialization within two days. Of significance was an almost complete absence of underlying inflammation. There were no essential differences in the healing of the trichloracetic acid‐treated wounds into deeper dental tissues compared with control wounds. These results have significance with regard to the clinical use of trichloracetic acid in the treatment of invasive cervical resorption.