Etchants

Etchants in veterinary dentistry are chemical preparations used to prepare tooth surfaces prior to the application of tooth restoration materials, such as composite fillings or cements. These substances help improve the adhesion of the materials to the tooth surface by removing a layer of mineralized enamel or cementum and allowing better adhesion.

There are two main types of etchants used in veterinary dentistry:

1. Acid etchants: These are preparations containing phosphoric or other acid that are applied to the surface of the teeth for a short time, a few seconds. The acid dissolves some of the mineralized enamel, creating microscopic bumps and holes in the tooth surface. This increases the adhesion of the restorative material, which is then applied to the tooth.
2. Self-adhesive et chants: These are etchants that contain both acid and monomers, which have the ability to penetrate deep into the tooth and form a chemical bond with the mineralized enamel. Adhesive etchants reduce the need to remove tooth tissue and can be more gentle on tissue.

As with other dental procedures, the use of etchants in veterinary dentistry should be performed by a qualified veterinarian or dental technician. Before using an etchant, the veterinarian should carefully evaluate the condition of the animal's teeth and tailor the procedure to the animal's needs. The use of etchants requires proper skill to avoid damaging healthy tooth tissue.