Early odontoblastic layer response to cavity preparation and acid etching in rats

The aim of this study was to establish the early odontoblastic layer response and quantitatively to estimate the number of odontoblasts after cavity preparation with and without acid etching. Half of 56 cavities prepared on rats' first upper molars were acid etched. Qualitative and morphometric analyses were made on histological and ultrathin sections 5 min, 6 h, 24 h and 72 h post-operatively. Under the etched cavity, a greater disarrangement of odontoblasts was found, modifications in nuclear shape and condensed chromatin 5 min. post-operatively. An additional reduction of odontoblast number was detected and an increase of aspirated cell number 5 min, 6 h and 24 h post-operatively, pronounced hyperaemia 6, 24 and 72 hours post-operatively and increased odontoblast number 72 hours post-operatively, compared to unetched cavities. In conclusion, injury to the odontoblastic layer was greater, but numerical renewal of the odontoblastic layer began earlier in etched cavities compared to unetched cavities.