Effect of trichloracetic acid on the microhardness and surface morphology of human dentin and enamel

Trichloracetic acid is recommended for the treatment of external cervical root resorption. The present study examined the effect of 90% trichloracetic acid on the microhardness and surface morphology of human dentin and enamel. Intact extracted human teeth were sectioned and embedded in acrylic resin. Each tooth was grinded and highly polished exposing a flat surface of dentin and enamel. The teeth were treated with 90% trichloracetic acid for 30, 60 and 90 s. Vicker's microhardness of the dentin and enamel was assessed for each tooth before and after each treatment. In addition the surface morphology of a trichloracetic acid treated tooth was examined via SEM. The results showed that 90% trichloracetic acid caused a second order type reduction of the microhardness, as well as structural changes in both dentin and enamel.