The constant recurrence of indicated treatments for dentine hypersensitivity has motivated many studies on the subject, in the search for good long-term clinical results. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate, by SEM, the formation of an impermeable film when desensitizing substances are applied after acid etching of the dentine surface. Dentine discs with a standardized smear layer were acid etched with 35% phosphoric acid and substances based on glutaraldehyde, oxalate and sodium fluoride were applied according to manufacturer’s instructions. Discs without treatment were used as the control group and only one of them was acid etched. Morphological results showed that acid etching of the dentine surface prior to the application of substances based on glutaraldehyde and oxalate are not able to form a uniform, impermeable film over dentine. On the other hand, sodium fluoride containing substances can form a layer over dentine, but it is easily removable, probably with no long-term effect.
Dentin hypersensitivity; Acid etching; SEM
