[A morphological analysis and assessment of the dentinal permeability of detergents and liners]

In this study we evaluated the morphological aspect at scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the degree of permeability of the dentinal surface after treatment with different detergent solutions, liners and cleansers. In particular we tested new potassium oxalate products. The results obtained with in vitro tests showed that many detergents, liners and cleansers are able to maintain almost unaltered the smear layer, causing small modifications for the diameter and the number of dentinal tubules which are partially exposed. The materials we used were able to deterge the dentinal surface, as demonstrated by SEM analysis, but one of them was able to stabilize and to protect the surface. All tested products, except potassium oxalate, caused an increase in dentinal permeability, proving to exercise a potential by damaging action towards the dentine and the pulpal tissue. Only DDS was able to reduce the dentinal permeability, causing the formation of calcium oxalate precipitates which occlude the dentinal tubules.