Time dependence of 2.5% nitric acid solution as an etchant on human dentin and enamel

Although nitric acid is a component in some new bonding systems, the action of nitric acid as an etchant for the improvement of adhesion of bonding systems for resin composites to dentin and enamel has not been reported. A determination of the extent of etching on both dentin and enamel using 2.5% HNO3 solution at various application time periods was the purpose of this study. Extracted human molars were cleaned and sectioned so that flat samples of dentin and enamel would be produced. Surfaces were abraded with 320-grit aluminum-oxide paper, washed with distilled water for 10 s, and blown with air for 10 s. Duplicate samples of dentin and enamel were treated with a drop of 2.5% HNO3. Application periods varied by 10-second intervals, from 10 s up to 60 s. After being rinsed with distilled water and dried, the sections were routinely processed for observation by SEM. The micrographs of the treated surfaces showed various degrees of etching and erosion proportional to the length of application time. The 30-second application revealed a well-etched surface with minimal erosion.