Initial attachment and longer-term cell migration, attachment, and orientation of cultured human gingival fibroblasts to untreated, collagen-coated, and demineralized root slices were measured. Cells prelabeled with 51 chromium were used to measure initial attachment. Refractile material in relation to the root slices, observed using phase contrast optics and known to result from orientation of cell sheets, was measured to assess cell migration, attachment, and orientation. No significant difference in initial cell attachment of 51 Cr-labeled cells to demineralized, collagen-coated, or untreated root slices was detected up to one hr of incubation. However, after 72 hr of culture, cell attachment, migration, and orientation were significantly greater in relation to demineralized and collagen-coated root slices than to untreated root slices. Analysis of the data suggests that collagen-coating could enhance cell migration, attachment, and orientation, but not initial attachment, to surfaces that cannot be demineralized.