A scanning electron microscopic study of the effect of various cleansing agents on cavity walls in vitro

The appearance of prepared cavity walls after treatment with different cavity cleansers and cleaning procedures was studied. Class II and V cavities were prepared on extracted human and monkey teeth and the cavities were exposed to the different agents for 1 min. Where commercial products were used, the manufacturers' directions for use were followed. The cavity walls were examined in the scanning electron microscope and representative photos were taken from dentinal and enamel areas. Only demineralizing solutions producing an etch pattern were able to remove the smeared layer from the cavity walls.