Evaluation of smear layers on serial sections of human dentin by means of electrochemical impedance measurements.

The alternating current impedance characteristics of a uni-directional porous glass membrane and serial sections of dentin from unerupted human third permanent molars (with and without smear layers) were measured. The membrane was equilibrated at 20 +/- 1 degrees C in a range of concentrations of unbuffered KCl, and the tooth sections were equilibrated in 0.1 mmol/L unbuffered KCl. Each section's impedance was measured for a 50-mV (rms) alternating potential difference applied over 1 Hz to 65 kHz. By means of complex non-linear least-squares regression analysis, the dc resistance of each specimen was determined. Scanning electron microscopy and subsequent image analysis enabled the cross-sectional area of the pores in the membrane and dentin tubule surface-openings to be measured. The results showed that the measured cross-sectional area of pores in the membrane was in good agreement with that calculated from the measured dc resistance and solution resistivity over the range of electrolyte concentrations. In dentin, the presence of smear layers on the cut surfaces increased the measured resistance. The resistance of the smear layer varied, suggesting that its thickness changed across the surface of the dentin. This was superimposed on regional variations in resistance of smear-free dentin which were found to be related to alterations in the number of tubules present and their cross-sectional area. The resistivities of the dentin tubule contents and smear layer material were generally lower than that of the hydrating electrolyte. It is postulated that this could be due to ions from partial dissolution of the mineral in the dentin.