Analysis of Hard Dental Tissues and Bone Exposed to Concentrated Acids: An Observational Study

The effect of hydrochloric acid (HCl) on permanent molars: A scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) study

“…2,[6][7][8][9] The physical changes observed follow a similar pattern, where teeth first began to effervesce upon immersion, followed by transparency and gelatinous texture visible at the crown and roots, disintegration of the crown and root, then complete dissolution at approximately 24 hours. 2,[6][7][8][9] The current literature has not established how teeth react to HCl when continuously submerged until dissolution, since in all cases teeth were removed from the acid bath multiple times for measurement before reimmersion. 2,[6][7][8][9] Scanning electron microscope imaging and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy/ X-ray fluorescence spectrometry Through studies of incinerated teeth and bone, the utility of SEM has been established in the field of forensic science.…”

“…Previous studies have established that HCl, also known as muriatic acid, is the most destructive acid to human dentition that is easily available to the public. 2,[6][7][8][9] Studies testing the effects of immersion of dental tissues in HCl are generally consistent in describing macroscopic changes. 2,[6][7][8][9] The physical changes observed follow a similar pattern, where teeth first began to effervesce upon immersion, followed by transparency and gelatinous texture visible at the crown and roots, disintegration of the crown and root, then complete dissolution at approximately 24 hours.…”

“…2,[6][7][8][9] Studies testing the effects of immersion of dental tissues in HCl are generally consistent in describing macroscopic changes. 2,[6][7][8][9] The physical changes observed follow a similar pattern, where teeth first began to effervesce upon immersion, followed by transparency and gelatinous texture visible at the crown and roots, disintegration of the crown and root, then complete dissolution at approximately 24 hours. 2,[6][7][8][9] The current literature has not established how teeth react to HCl when continuously submerged until dissolution, since in all cases teeth were removed from the acid bath multiple times for measurement before reimmersion.…”

“…The amount of dental tissue remaining between 48 and 66 hours was surprising given the expectation of total dissolution by 24 hours given previous studies. [2][3][4][5][6] It is possible that the sterilization method (autoclave) employed on the extracted teeth used in this study is a contributing factor in the timing of dissolution; however, to date no study has consistently established the effects of sterilization protocols on extracted teeth. The two most commonly recommended and used sterilization methods, 10% formalin and autoclave, have been the subject of inconsistent findings regarding research outcomes.…”

“…2,[6][7][8][9] The current literature has not established how teeth react to HCl when continuously submerged until dissolution, since in all cases teeth were removed from the acid bath multiple times for measurement before reimmersion. 2,[6][7][8][9] Scanning electron microscope imaging and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy/ X-ray fluorescence spectrometry Through studies of incinerated teeth and bone, the utility of SEM has been established in the field of forensic science. 10,11 Whereas research using SEM is widely used in the field of dentistry, [12][13][14][15] a gap in research regarding SEM forensic utility is evident in examining the effects of acid on immersed human teeth.…”