A dentine conditioning agent is used initially, to remove the smear layer resulting from the preparation of a cavity and, to alter the dentine surface by partially demineralising the intertubulary dentine. This partially demineralised dentine acts as a hollow scaffolding which can be perfused with the primer. Over-etching (as well as over-drying) of the dentine can lead to collapse of the collagen network, making infiltration of the primer more challenging. However, sclerosed dentine requires a longer time of exposure to the dentine conditioner compared to healthy dentine. Some dentine conditioners contain a chemical called glutaraldehyde, which reinforces the collagen matrix, preventing its collapse.
Some common dentine conditioners include:
* phosphoric acid
* nitric acid
* maleic acid
* citric acid
* ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA)