Effects of saliva contamination on bonding performance of self-etching adhesives

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of saliva contamination on bonding performance of two self-etching adhesives. Materials and Methods: Forty caries-free extracted human third molars’ cusps were cut off to expose mid-coronal dentin surfaces. Two one-step self-etching adhesives and the respective resin composite from the same manufacturer (Adper Easy One + Filtek Z350 (3 M ESPE); Clearfil S3 Bond + Clearfil Majesty (Kuraray Co.)) were applied onto the dentin surfaces for micro-tensile bond strength (MTBS) test. The dentin surfaces were not contaminated (A), were contaminated with saliva before/after priming (B/C), or they were water-sprayed after saliva contamination occurred before/after priming (D/E). The resin–dentin interfaces were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. After the two adhesives were polymerized on saliva-contaminated or uncontaminated conditions, they were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for degree of conversion (DC), and analyzed by AFM spectroscopy for spatial homogeneity of the adhesives. The data were analyzed using factorial design ANOVA and one-way ANOVA. Results: Compared with control group (A), the saliva contamination after priming significantly reduced both dentin MTBS (p < 0.05). Thorough water-spraying could significantly improve the MTBS of the saliva-contaminated dentin (p < 0.05) or completely restore it. Saliva contamination deteriorated the resin–dentin adaptation, DC, and spatial homogeneity of adhesives. Conclusions: Saliva contamination had a negative effect on bonding performance of self-etching adhesives regarding their dentin MTBS, resin–dentin adaptation, DC, and spatial homogeneity. However, the effect of saliva contamination on the dentin MTBS was related to the individual adhesive used and the time point of contamination.