Assessment of Enamel Microroughness in Primary and Permanent Teeth with Initial Carious Lesions Before and After Acid Application

Aim To evaluate the microroughness of primary and permanent teeth in the initial carious lesion (white spot) area before and after orthophosphoric and hydrochloric acid application. Material and Methods The in vitro study included physiologically exfoliated primary molars and permanent third molars extracted for orthodontic reasons. The teeth were divided into eight groups according to the presence of initial caries lesions, type of dentition, the acid used, and the time of its application. The surface microroughness in the area of the carious lesion, both before and after etching, was assessed using a profilometer, and the results were compared. Carious lesions were etched either with 37% orthophosphoric acid for 30 seconds or with 15% hydrochloric acid for 120 seconds. Results Higher microroughness values were found in the area of the initial carious lesion compared to the area with intact enamel for both dentitions. The microroughness of the enamel surface in the carious lesion area increased after applying orthophosphoric and hydrochloric acids in both primary and permanent teeth. The highest microroughness was recorded after conditioning with 15% hydrochloric acid. Microroughness data from carious primary and permanent teeth showed increased microporosity after etching with 37% orthophosphoric acid. Conclusion Etching (with hydrochloric and orthophosphoric acid) of initial carious lesions of primary and permanent teeth significantly increases their microroughness.