A study was conducted to observe the effectiveness of an
EDTA-based agent,
Tubulicid Red, and a
polyacrylic acid-based agent, Dentin Conditioner, for removal of the
smear layer from a prepared dentin surface, with or without a
fluoride dentin reinforcing agent, using the
dye penetration test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Bovine mandibular first and second incisors were used. After removal of the enamel, the
smear layer on the dentin surface was treated with 38% H3PO4,
Tubulicid Red, Dentin Conditioner, 1% NaF, 1% SnF2,
Tubulicid Red (including 1% SnF2), Dentin Conditioner (including 1% NaF) and Dentin Conditioner (including 1% SnF2). In the
dye penetration test, Dentin Conditioner (including 1% SnF2) was the most effective agent for preventing
dye penetration. SEM evaluation of the dentin surface
after treatment with the
smear layer removal agents and/or
fluorides showed that the
smear layer was removed by H3PO4 and Dentin Conditioner. However, dentinal plugs remained
after treatment with Dentin Conditioner alone. The other agents left some layers on the dentin surface.