Influence of acid etching on hydrogen peroxide diffusion through human dentin.

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of dentin etching with phosphoric acid on hydrogen peroxide diffusion through human dentin in internal bleaching.

Methods: 46 human premolars were extracted for orthodontic reasons from adolescents. The teeth were endodontically treated and a flat defect was created at the enamel-cementum junction. The teeth were divided into two groups: the access cavity was etched for 30 seconds with 35% H3PO4 in the first group and left intact in the second group. The teeth were filled with 20 microL of 35% hydrogen peroxide gel. The receiving medium on the other side was renewed at Day 1, Day 2 and Day 7 to quantify the diffusing hydrogen peroxide. An analysis of variance was performed to compare the diffusion between the two groups.

Results: This work demonstrated a higher hydrogen peroxide diffusion when the access cavity was etched (P < 0.01).