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<p>Health Hazards and Safety of Use of Hydrofluoric Acid for Ceramic Restorations<br><br>Lieutenant James G Linkous, DC, USN and Commander Christopher M. Hamlin, DC, USN<br><br>Introduction<br>Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a highly corrosive inorganic acid that is often used in dental practices to etch silica-based ceramic restorations. Silica-based ceramic restorations include, but are not limited to, feldspathic porcelains, leucite reinforced ceramics, fluoroapatite ceramics, and lithium disilicates. Hydrofluoric acid’s function is to roughen and alter the surface of the ceramic, changing its surface free energy and increasing total surface area. As a result, bond potential to ceramic restorations is greatly increased when followed by bonding protocols with the appropriate coupling agent and resin substrate. Following HF acid application, the ceramic with the HF acid should be copiously rinsed for 60 seconds and placed in a neutralizing solution for at least 5 minutes. Even with its great restorative benefits however, the disadvantage to hydrofluoric acid is its potential harm to the clinician or lab technician, and if not appropriately cleaned before use, to the patient.<br></p>
<br>Subjects: Hydrofluoric acid; dentistry;</div>
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U.S. Navy. Naval Postgraduate Dental School</div>
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