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. 2020 Sep 23;56(1):190–207. doi: 10.1016/j.jdsr.2020.08.004

Fig. 7.

Fig. 7

(a) SEM micrograph of a fractured human dentin specimen with smear layer and a smear plug created with diamond bur. Int – intertubular dentin; P – peritubular dentin; T – dentin tubule; Sp – smear plug; Oc –occlusal surface; Dotted circle – another tubule plugged with smear layer. Original magnification = 10,000X. (b) SEM micrograph of human dentin etched with liquid phosphoric acid for 15 sec. Int – intertubular dentin; P – peritubular dentin; T – dentin tubule; Oc – occlusal surface; Pc – exposed peritubular collagen from dissolution of the peritubular dentin; Dd – dentin demineralized by the etching agent; arrows – other tubules. Original magnification = 10,000X. (c) SEM micrograph of human dentin treated with the Clearfil SE primer (Kuraray) from the 2-step SE adhesive Clearfil SE Bond. The asterisk marks the area of dentin partially decalcified by the primer (pH = 1.8–2.0). Upon application of the respective hydrophobic bonding resin, this 0.5 μm deep area will become the hybrid layer. Int – intertubular dentin; T – dentin tubule; Oc – occlusal surface; Sp – primer-infiltrated smear plug. Original magnification = 15,000X. (d) SEM micrograph of occlusal view of human dentin treated with GC Cavity Conditioner (20% polyacrylic acid with 3% aluminum chloride hexahydrate) for 10 sec, and rinsed with water for 15 sec. Note residual smear layer (ovals) and some patent tubules (T). The intertubular dentin does not have morphological characteristics of demineralization (no visible collagen fibers). Original magnification = 5,000X.