Effects of Morphological and Radiographic Changes in Teeth After Exposure to Acids – In Vitro

To evaluate the morphological and radiographic alterations in human teeth following exposure to hydrochloric, nitric, sulfuric, and phosphoric acids at varying concentrations and exposure durations. This was a prospective, cross-sectional, in vitro experimental study involving 80 extracted human premolar teeth. The samples were exposed to 35% hydrochloric acid, 69% nitric acid, 98% sulfuric acid, and 85% phosphoric acid for time intervals ranging from 30 minutes to 24 hours. Morphological and radiographic assessments were performed before and after acid exposure, and the findings were documented using a standardized data collection instrument. Exposure to 35% hydrochloric acid induced rapid morphological deterioration, with observable resorptive changes beginning at 30 minutes and progressing by 24 hours. The 69% nitric acid caused an effervescent reaction, followed by semilunar resorption and structural dissolution at 24 hours. Sulfuric acid showed a less aggressive radiographic profile, with minor calcified deposits and limited morphological changes. Phosphoric acid had the least radiographic impact, with localized surface disintegration and moderate resorptive changes between 16 and 24 hours. All acids studied exerted a notable effect on dental structures, with hydrochloric acid being the most corrosive, followed by nitric acid. Sulfuric and phosphoric acids caused less severe damage. The extent of damage correlated with acid concentration and exposure duration.