Effects of different acid and sodium hypochlorite treatments on dentin collagen: a FEISEM analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate if different acid treatments of dentin surface might remove different amount of mineralized dentin, thus exposing and modifying the CF network. METHODS: Dentin disks prepared from human third molars with a low-speed diamond saw were etched for 15 seconds with the tested acids: citric acid 10%, maleic acid 10%, 2.5% oxalic acid, 35% phosphoric acid and 24% EDTA gel. Specimens were then submitted to a 5% solution of NaOCl for 2 minutes or 5 minutes, fixed, and observed utilizing a field emission in lens SEM (FEISEM). Control specimens were also prepared by omitting the etching agent and/or the NaOCl solution. RESULTS: The different acid treatments created specific dentin morphological pattern. CF exposure was in relationship with the acid used. The NaOCl solution greatly affects the acid etched dentin by removing the CF, nevertheless the effect of NaOCl was greatly influenced by the previous acid treatment.