Journal of Dental Research, Vol 56, 917-923, Copyright © 1977 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
The effect of acid etching on enamel, dentin, and the inner surface of the resin restoration: a scanning electron microscopic investigation
M. Brannstrom and K. J. Noredenvall
Buccal cavities were prepared in vivo on 22 contralateral tooth pairs. The
cavities and the surrounding enamel were either etched or cleaned with a
surface-active solution (the control). The cavities were filled with
Concise Enamel Bond and composite or left unrestored. The teeth were
extracted immediately after treatment. Treated surfaces or the inner
surface of the restorations were studied in the scanning electron
microscope (SEM). An "in-pair" evaluation of the results of 320 photographs
was done. The etched axial wall had a smooth surface with widened and
patent dentinal tubule apertures. The corresponding inner resin surfaces
were irregular, sporadically showing tags of varying length corresponding
to the dentinal tubules and alternating with pits of varying size. Etching
for 15 seconds or two minutes gave no apparent difference in appearance of
enamel, dentin, and inner surface of the restoration.
