Effect of different etching time on etch pattern and etch depth using 1% phytic acid in primary teeth – A Scanning Electron Microscopic study

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of varied etching time on etch pattern and etch depth with 1% phytic acid in primary teeth.

Materials and methods

Thirty extracted human non-carious primary tooth crowns were sectioned and varnished leaving 4 mm enamel window on buccal surfaces. The teeth were then divided into 3 groups corresponding to etching time 15, 30 and 60 seconds to estimate etch pattern and depth. One percent phytic acid is used for etching the enamel surfaces. The etch pattern and etch depth was observed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

Results

The results demonstrated, no differences in etch patterns in all 3 groups irrespective of etch time. Etch depth on enamel surfaces after etching for 15 seconds (group I) and 30 seconds (group II) were similar, but a greater increase in etch depth were observed after 60 seconds (group III) of etching.

Conclusion

One percent phytic acid produced 3 types of etch patterns, among which hollowing of prism core with relatively intact peripheral region etch pattern were predominant irrespective of varying etch time. Etch depth on enamel surfaces increased with increase in etching time.