A STUDY ON ELECTRON-MICROSCOPIC FINDINGS AFTER ACID ETCHING ON ENAMEL AND DENTIN

법랑질(琺瑯質)과 상아질(象牙質)의 산처리후(酸處理後)의 전자현미경(電子顯微鏡) 소견(所見)에 관(關)한 연구(硏究)

The purpose of this study was to compare the solubility of enamel and dentin to an etchant after fluoride application. Specimens were collected from extracted anterior and bicuspid and each tooth was cut into several pieces. These specimen were allocated in 7 group; 1%, 2%, 3% NaF, 1%, 8%, 20% $SnF_2$, and control group. Five specimens in each group was exposed to pre-determined fluoride solution for 3 minutes, and washed with running water. These specimens were etched by Hipol (commercial label) etchant for 30 seconds. Following are the findings obtained through S.E.M. 1. All specimens with acid etching revealed preferential removal of prism periphery leaving prism core. 2. Specimens treated with 1%, 2% NaF solution showed that the shape of prism tip was thin and sharp like a needle. The case of 3% NaF showed rather round shape at prism end. 3.1% of $SnF_2$ case showed similar findings with the control group but 8% and 20% $SnF_2$ case revealed needle shape at the prism and was less clear than NaF case. Preferential removal of prism periphery was partialy observed and un decalcified area is fused to prism forming reidge. 4. Dentine treated by fluoride compound in low concentration showed the orifice of dentinal tubule was clearly enlarged whereas in high concentration the orifice was not widened.