The effect varied scanning electron microscopy desiccation techniques has on demineralized dentin.

The study objective was to assess (a) the effect of a rubbing-application of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or citric acid (CA) has on the ultrastructure of surface dentin and (b) the effect of two scanning electron microscopy (SEM) desiccation preparation techniques have on the collagen surface produced. Treatment regions on proximal root surfaces of extracted human teeth were root planned to expose dentin. Cotton pellets soaked in either 30% CA or 24% EDTA solution were rubbed on the treatment region then processed for SEM using one of two desiccation techniques, that is, (a) critically point dried from liquid CO (control) or (b) air-dried from tetramethylsilane (experimental).