Effects of acid etching on dentin surface: SEM morphological study

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the effects of acid solutions on dentin surface, and to analyze the depth of demineralization that the acid solutions cause on dentin, using different acids. Fifteen 3-mm thick dentin discs were prepared from the middle third of human molars. Standard smear layer was prepared on the dentin surface using 600 grit sandpaper, for 1 minute. The acids used were 10%, 35% and 37.5% phosphoric acid and 10% maleic acid, for 15 seconds, washed and dried. The control group received no treatment. Dentin discs were fractured, observed on the horizontal surface and also on the fractured surface to evaluate the depth of demineralization. Specimens were immersed in 4% glutaraldehyde in phosphonate buffer, and prepared for SEM examination at 2000X and 4000X magnification. Acid etching of dentin, regardless of the concentration of phosphoric acid, caused removal of the smear layer, exposing the apertures of dentinal tubules. This was not observed when 10% maleic acid was used. At the fractured surface, one could observe an increase in demineralization of the width of dentinal tubules, to a specific depth of about 8.19 to 11 mm, except for 10% maleic acid.