Disturbance of the dentinal smear layer by acidic hemostatic agents

The pH of nine commonly used hemostatic agents was measured. Three measurements were recorded for each solution, and values ranged from 0.7 to 2.0. The effect of exposure to one hemostatic material, ferric sulfate solution (Fe2(SO4)3), on the dentinal smear layer was investigated. Prepared extracted teeth were exposed for periods ranging from 30 seconds to 5 minutes to an acidic ferric sulfate-based hemostatic agent. A smear layer was clearly demonstrated on a control specimen; however, the dentinal smear layer was rapidly removed by exposure to the hemostatic agent, and peritubular dentin was lost after prolonged exposure.