Intracanal dentine treatment after post-space preparation: Scanning electron microscope analysis

Objectives: This study evaluated the efficiency in smear layer removal from post-space walls using 37% liquid ortophosphoric acid compared to the traditional gel formulation. Materials and methods: After post-space preparation and post-space cleaning with 10% EDTA for 60 seconds, teeth were assigned to four groups according to the etching procedure: (A) 36% H 3PO 4 gel; (B) 37% H 3PO 4 liquid applied with EndoVac; (C) 37% H 3PO 4 liquid applied with endodontic needle; (D) control group. Teeth were longitudinally sectioned and prepared for SEM examination which evaluated the presence of smear layer, debris, sealer/guttapercha remnants, and visibility of open dentin tubules. Results: Better results were obtained by group B, followed by A, C and control group. Conclusions: 37% liquid H 3PO 4 etching with an endodontic needle results in a better substrate for fiber post adhesion. The positive pressure in liquid H 3PO 4 application etched a wider surface than the negative pressure. © 2012 Società Italiana di Endodonzia. Published by Elsevier Srl. All rights reserved.