A 35 year old female is having an incisal chip on #25 repaired. What is applied to the surface of a tooth to prepare for the use of bonding material?

The application of an etching gel to the surface of a tooth is a crucial step in preparing for the use of bonding materials. Etching gel typically contains phosphoric acid, which creates a roughened surface by removing the smear layer and opening the enamel prisms. This increases the surface area for the bonding agent to adhere to, enhancing the bond strength between the tooth structure and restorative material.

In contrast, a desensitizer is used to alleviate tooth sensitivity but doesn't contribute to the bond formation between the tooth and the bonding material. Fluoride treatment is used mainly for its preventive properties in caries control, and it does not prepare the surface for bonding. A sealant is a protective coating applied to teeth to prevent decay but is not involved in the bonding process for restorative procedures. Therefore, etching gel is the appropriate choice for preparing the tooth surface prior to applying bonding materials in this scenario.