[Variations of the etching patterns of enamel surfaces after treatment with various caustics]

Conditioning the enamel is extremely important for the prophylactic treatment of caries with sealers. The possibility of dentition depends on the depth and pattern of etching. Incisors and molars were etched with seven etching agents. The depth of etching was examined via microradiography; the etching pattern, with the scanning electron microscope. The best etching agent proved to be a 50% solution of H3PO4 + 2% solution of NaF; The depth of etching was greater in the molars than in the incisors. The etching pattern produced with this agent was also the most even. The etching pattern could not be predicted on the basis of the etching agent.