Enamel deproteinization and its effect on acid etching: An in vitro study

Purpose: The goal of this in vitro study was to identify the topographical features of the enamel surface deproteinized and etched with phosphoric acid (H3PO4</subquit) compared to phosphoric acid alone. Materials and method: Ten extracted lower first and second permanent molars were polished with pumice and water, and then divided into 4 equal buccal sections having similar physical and chemical properties. The enamel surfaces of each group were subjected to the following treatments: Group A: Acid Etching with H3PO4 37% for 15 seconds. Group AH1: Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) 5.25% for 30 seconds followed by Acid Etching with H3PO4 37% for 15 seconds. Group AH2 ; Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) 5.25% for 60 seconds followed by Acid Etching with H3PO4 37% for 15 seconds. Results showed that group AH2 etching technique reached an area of 76.6 mm2 of the total surface, with a 71.8 mm2 (94.47%), type 1 and 2 etching pattern, followed by group AH1 with 55.9 mm2 out of 75.12 mm2 (74.1%), and finally group A with only 36.8 mm2 (48.83%) out of an area of 72.7 mm2. A significant statistical difference (P