Self-etch Research Articles

An 18-month clinical evaluation of prolonged polymerization of a universal adhesive in non-carious cervical lesions: A double-blind randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of prolonging polymerization time on the 18 months clinical performance of a universal adhesive system used as etch-and-rinse (ER) and self-etch (SE). Methods140 restorations were randomly placed in 35 subjects according to the following groups: ER10 (light-curing for 10 s); ER40 (light-curing for 40 s); SE10 (light-curing for 10 s) and; SE40 (light-curing for 40 s/1200 mW/cm2). A resin composite was placed incrementally. The restorations were evaluated at baseline and after 18 months by using the FDI criteria. The following outcomes were evaluated: marginal staining, marginal adaptation, spontaneous post-operative sensitivity and recurrence of caries. The differences among the groups were calculated using Friedman repeated measures analysis of variance rank (α = 0.05). ResultsAfter 18 months the retention/fracture rates were 88.9% (95%CI 74.1–95.6%) for ER10, 94.3% (95%CI 91.4–98.5%) for ER40, 77.2% (95%CI 60.1–87.9) for SE10 and 97.2% (95%CI 85.5–99.9%) for SE40. A significant difference was detected in the retention rate when SE10 was compared to the SE40 (p = 0.01). Also, ER40 showed a significant improvement of the marginal adaptation when compared to ER10 (p = 0.01). SignificanceThis is the first study that demonstrates an improvement in the clinical performance of universal adhesive systems in non-carious cervical lesions when prolonged light-cured was applied.

PH Evaluation over a Period of 6 months of Two-bottle Water-based Self-etching Primers: An In Vitro Study

The objective of this study was to monitor the pH stability over a period of 6 months of two-bottle self-etching (SE) primers. Four commercially available two-bottle SE primer solutions, Adhese SE (Ivoclar Vivadent; Schaan, Liechtenstein), Clearfil SE (Kuraray; Tokyo, Japan), Contax Primer (DMG; Hamburg, Germany), and Enabond SE (Micerium; Avegno (Ge), Italy), containing water as the main solvent were selected. The pH values during a 6-month storage period at intermittent temperature were daily measured by means of a microprocessor-based pH/temperature meter and hence recorded, tabulated, and analyzed. The mean values of overall pH measurements and standard deviation for Adhese SE, Clearfil SE, Contax Primer, and Enabond SE are, respectively, 1.70 (±0.01), 1.72 (±0.01), 1.20 (±0.01), 1.80 (±0.01). One-way ANOVA did not detect any significant change of the mean pH values of all measurements over time. The conventional 6-months storage did not affect the pH values of the water-containing primers of two-bottle SE adhesives. This study provides evidence that conventional storage under adequate conditions did not affect the pH values of the water-containing primers of two-bottle SE adhesives with different monomer formulations. Clinicians may rely on the known pH value of the selected SE adhesive during shelf-life.

Effect of Caries Infiltrant on Margin Integrity of Composite Fillings Placed Adjacent to Demineralised Primary Enamel.

To investigate the influence of pretreating demineralised enamel with an infiltrant on the margin integrity of Class V like composite restorations on primary teeth bonded with different adhesives. Forty specimens from primary molars were demineralised and circular class-V-like cavities were prepared. The cavities were treated with a universal adhesive (Scotchbond Universal Adhesive, 3M Oral Care), applied either in self-etch (SE) or etch-and-rinse mode (ER) mode. In groups SE-I and ER-I, the demineralised margins were pretreated with a caries infiltrant (Icon, DMG) prior to adhesive application. The cavities were restored with a nanofilled composite material and thermocycled. Marginal integrity was evaluated using SEM, and the percentage of continuous margin was statistically analysed. Specimens treated with the caries infiltrant followed by the adhesive showed similar marginal continuity as the adhesive alone. Pretreatment of demineralised primary enamel with a caries infiltrant before applying a universal adhesive does not influence the marginal integrity of composite fillings.

Evaluation of developmentally hypomineralised enamel after surface pretreatment with Papacarie Duo gel and different etching modes: an in vitro SEM and AFM study.

This study aimed at investigating the surface morphology and nanotopography of normal enamel (NE) and developmentally hypomineralised enamel (HE) when subjected to various pretreatment protocols under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Sixteen NE, 16 creamy/white (CW) HE and 16 yellow/brown (YB) HE specimens sectioned from extracted hypomineralised first permanent molars (FPMs) were included in this study. They were randomly distributed into 12 experimental groups (n = 4). Each group involved the following: (1) deproteinisation with Papacarie Duo® gel or no deproteinisation, and (2) the use of Scotchbond™ Universal Adhesive (Scotchbond) in self-etch (SE) mode or 37% phosphoric acid etchant. Subsequently, the surface morphology and nanotopography of pretreated enamel specimens were evaluated under SEM and AFM, respectively. SEM observation showed that deproteinisation with Papacarie Duo® gel before phosphoric acid etching led to favourable etching patterns. This was consistent across all groups irrespective of the type of enamel specimen and the severity of hypomineralisation. In contrast, AFM results identified three factors that influenced surface parameters: (1) type of enamel specimen, (2) severity of hypomineralisation and (3) etching mode. YB HE recorded higher surface roughness values than CW HE and NE when subjected to the same pretreatment protocol. Deproteinisation and the application of Scotchbond in SE mode led to minimal topographic changes; however, acid etching was associated with an increase in surface roughness. Deproteinisation with Papacarie Duo® gel followed by acid etching contributed to improved etching patterns on HE.

An in-vitro study investigating the effect of air-abrasion bioactive glasses on dental adhesion, cytotoxicity and odontogenic gene expression

ObjectiveTo assess the microtensile bond strength (MTBS) and interfacial characteristics of universal adhesives applied on dentine air-abraded using different powders. The analysis includes the cytotoxicity of the powders and their effect on odontogenic gene expression. MethodsSound human dentine specimens were air-abraded using bioglass 45S5 (BAG), polycarboxylated zinc-doped bioglass (SEL), alumina (AL) and submitted to SEM analysis. Resin composite was bonded to air-abraded or smear layer-covered dentine (SML) using an experimental (EXP) or a commercial adhesive (ABU) in etch&rinse (ER) or self-etch (SE) modes. Specimens were stored in artificial saliva (AS) and subjected to MTBS testing after 24 h and 10 months. Interfacial nanoleakage assessment was accomplished using confocal microscopy. The cytotoxicity of the powders was assessed, also the total RNA was extracted and the expression of odontogenic genes was evaluated through RT-PCR. ResultsAfter prolonged AS storage, specimens in the control (SML) and AL groups showed a significant drop in MTBS (p > 0.05), with degradation evident within the bonding interface. Specimens in BAG or SEL air-abraded dentine groups showed no significant difference, with resin-dentine interfaces devoid of important degradation. The metabolic activity of pulp stem cells was not affected by the tested powders. SEL and BAG had no effect on the expression of odontoblast differentiation markers. However, AL particles interfered with the expression of the odontogenic markers. SignificanceThe use of bioactive glass air-abrasion may prevent severe degradation at the resin-dentine interface. Unlike alumina, bioactive glasses do not interfere with the normal metabolic activity of pulp stem cells and their differentiation to odontoblasts.

Phenolic extract of Libidibia ferrea inhibits dentin endogenous enzymatic activity depending on the adhesive system strategy

This study evaluated the influence of Libidibia ferrea (Lf) extract used as dentin pretreatment on the resin-dentin bond strength stability and dentin endogenous enzymatic activity. The phytochemical profile (PP) of the Lf extract was evaluated by liquid chromatography; particle size, polydispersity index (PdI), and zeta potential (ZP) were evaluated by dynamic light scattering. The tested groups were ER-Scotchbond Universal (SBU) in the etch-and-rinse (ER) mode; ERLf-SBU in the ER mode + Lf after etching; SE- SBU in the self-etch (SE) mode; and LfSE-Lf before SBU in the SE mode. Sticks were obtained for microtensile bond strength tests and failure mode (24 hr and 12 months). The hybrid layer was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. The endogenous enzymatic activity of the underlying dentin was analyzed by in situ zymography with the same treatments. The PP showed the presence of quercetin (2.6% w/w). Lf particles were considered large after the analysis of the PdI. The ZP remained stable over time. The ER and ERLf groups had lower bond strength after 12 months, but SE and LfSE remained stable. The predominant failure mode was adhesive for both times. ER and ERLf had longer resin tags and a thicker hybrid layer. The ER and LfSE groups showed higher enzymatic activity than the ERLf and SE groups after 12 months. The Lf extract may contribute to inhibit the dentin endogenous enzymatic activity when associated with an adhesive system in the ER mode.

Using self-etch adhesive agents with pit and fissure sealants. In vitro analysis of shear bond strength, adhesive remnant index and enamel etching patterns.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro, the shear bond strength (SBS) and adhesive remnant index (ARI) of pit and fissure sealants (PFS) after enamel conditioning with different new-generation self-etching (SE) agents; additionally, enamel etching patterns were assessed.MethodsHealthy unerupted third molars surgically removed for therapeutic reasons (n = 25p/g), were randomly assigned to six groups. Conventional etching (CE) or SE was applied prior to pit and fissure sealants bonding. Enamel conditioned surfaces were evaluated by SEM at × 500, × 1000, and × 2000 magnification to determine etching patterns. Subsequently, 25 PFS blocks (3 × 2 × 1.5 mm) p/g were bonded to enamel surface.Samples were stored in water at 37 °C for 24 h, previous to SBS and ARI test. One-way ANOVA and Tamhane statistic tests were used for SBS; while Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis were employed for ARI (p ≤ 0.05).ResultsFor SBS test, CE_PFS_3M and SE1_PFS_Shofu groups showed the lowest values (8.74 ± 4.02 and 8.75 ± 3.90, respectively). The highest scores were observed in SE_PFS_Kuraray group (13.46 ± 5.83). Significant differences in SBS and ARI assessments were found. All experimental groups showed type 1 etching pattern.ConclusionThe etching pattern was less pronounced in self-etching groups, which showed an equal or superior in vitro performance compared to conventional etching agents. The clinical use of self-etching agents could be recommended before pit and fissure sealants application in new dental protocols. The best in vitro performance was observed when both applied materials, self-etching agent and pit and fissure sealant have 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate in their chemical composition.

Influence of Etching Mode and Composite Type on Bond Strength to Biodentine Using a “No-Wait” Universal Adhesive

The purpose of this study was to compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of four resin-based composite materials to a silicate-based cement using a “no-wait” universal bond with self-etch (SE) and etch-and-rinse (ER) modes. Acrylic blocks (n=80, 2mm depth, 5mm diameter central hole) were prepared. The holes were filled with BiodentineTM (BD) and divided into 4 main groups (n=20) according to the composite resin type used: Group FZ250: FiltekTM Z250 Universal Restorative (microhybrid), Group SDR: SDR Plus U Bulk Fill Flowable (low-viscosity bulk-fill), Group FBP: FiltekTM Bulk Fill Posterior (high-viscosity bulk-fill), Group EF: EsFlow™ Universal Flowable Composite (nanohybrid). A ‘no-wait’ universal bond (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick) was used for bonding application. Then each group was divided into 2 subgroups according to the etching mode applied (ER and SE). SBSs were measured and stereomicroscope was used to identify the failure modes. Selected samples of fracture surfaces were imaged by SEM. Tukey’s post-hoc and One-way ANOVA tests were used to analyze data. There were statistically significant differences among the composite groups (p<0.05). When SDR showed the highest bond strength values in SE (17.13 ± 2.98 MPa) mode, FBP showed the lowest bond strength values in ER (8.89 ± 2.46 MPa) mode. The mean SBS was not different between the SE and ER modes (p> 0.05). The SBS of BD to the resin composites depends on the composite type but application of the ‘no-wait’ universal bond in different etching modes is regardless of the SBS of BD to resin composites.

Clinical behavior of universal adhesives in non-carious cervical lesions: A randomized clinical trial

ObjectivesThis randomized, double-blind clinical trial, , evaluated the behavior of two universal adhesives used in etch-and-rinse (ER) or self-etch (SE) approach in non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs). MethodsTwo hundred and eleven NCCLs were selected in 54 participants and randomly allocated into four experimental groups: Scotchbond Universal Adhesive – SBU (3M Oral Care) and Prime & Bond Elect – PB (Dentsply Sirona) used in ER and SE modes. Two trained operators placed all resin composite restorations (Filtek Z250, 3M Oral Care). Restorations were evaluated at baseline and after 6 months using both FDI and USPHS modified criteria by a blinded calibrated examiner. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U non-parametric tests were used to compare the restoration failures among experimental groups. ResultsStatistically significant differences were found among groups regarding failures (p=0.000 for both FDI and USPHS criteria). PB-SE presented more failures (p<0.05) than other experimental groups. No significant difference was found between any other pair of groups (p>0.05). ConclusionsThe etch and rinse approach affected the clinical performance of Prime and Bond Elect. For this material, the self-etch approach generated lower criteria scores after a six-month follow-up. The bonding strategy did not influence Scotchbond Universal Adhesive clinical performance. (RBR-2GQMVF) Clinical significanceThe clinical behavior of mild universal adhesive Prime & Bond Elect depends on the bonding strategy. The etch-and-rinse approach is recommended for this adhesive system. Scotchbond Universal Adhesive can be used in both bonding strategies without impairing clinical performance.

Universal adhesive: the effect of different simulated pulpal pressure fluids and bonding modes to dentin.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of SPP with either fetal bovine serum (FBS) or deionized water (DW) on the bond strength (μTBS) of a Universal adhesive to dentin, in both etch-and-rinse (ER) and self-etch (SE) modes. The kinematic viscosity (cSt) of FBS and DW was measured at 25°C ± 0.1ºC. Seventy-two sound human molars were sectioned and randomly divided into three groups according to the SPP conditions: (1) Control (0cm H2O), (2) SPP (15cm H2O) with FBS, (3) SPP (15cm H2O) with DW. Each group was subdivided (n = 10) based on the bonding modes: ER (37% phosphoric acid + ScothBond Universal Adhesive) or SE (ScothBond Universal Adhesive). Samples were then submitted to μTBS. Data were analyzed by Student's t test, two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p < 0.05). The cSt results showed that DW (23.59 ± 0.39) had significantly higher values than FBS (22.33 ± 0.06). With regard to SPP, the control group (36.1MPa) had significantly higher values of μTBS when compared to the SPP using FBS (31.06MPa) and SPP with DW (26.55MPa). According to ANOVA, the bonding modes and the interaction of simulated pulpal pressure (SPP) did not statistically influence the results (p < 0.05). The presence of SPP reduced the bond strength of Universal adhesive to dentin. DW during SPP had significantly reduced bonding values when compared to FBS. Bonding strategies were not affected by SPP when evaluated in a short period of time (24h).

Effect of Ultrasonic Scaling on Microleakage of Class V Composite Restorations Bonded With Different Adhesives

Objectives: The current study was conducted to investigate the influence of ultrasonic scaling on microleakage under composite restorations bonded with 3 different adhesives. Methods: Sixty standerdized class V cavities were prepared in extracted human molars that were divided in to three groups, according to the type of applied adhesive, as follows: Group A: Fuji Bond LC, Glass ionomer (GI) adhesive, Group B: Clearfill S3 Bond, Self-Etch (SE) adhesive and Group C: OptiBond FL, Etch and Rinse (ER) adhesive. After cavity preparation and composite filling, teeth of each group were further divided into scaled and un-scaled subgroups. Teeth were sectioned buccolingually and ‎the gingival margins of the teeth were evaluated and scored for dye penetration to check the microleakage. Results: Scaling caused a significant increase in microleakage scores of SE adhesive. On the other hand, both ER adhesive and GI adhesive showed insignificant change in microleakage scores after exposure to the ultrasonic scaling.Self- Etch adhesive showed the highest mean rank microleakage value (13.7), while GI adhesive had the lowest mean rank microleakage value (12.9) in the scaled group. Significant difference between the scaled (mean rank 13.7) and un-scaled (mean rank 7.3) subgroups was found only with SE adhesive (p = 0.007). On the other hand, insignificant differences (p = 0.06) were noticed between the two subgroups of GI and ER adhesive. Conclusion: Ultrasonic scaling caused significant increase in microleakage of self-etch adhesive ‎bonded restorations. While GI and ER adhevies bonded restorations revealed more resistance to the effect of ultrasonic scaling.

Update on Enamel Bonding Strategies

Optimal strategies for the application of an adhesive differ between enamel and dentin because of the differences in their composition. The development of adhesive systems has mainly focused on the bonding of dentin, rather than on the enamel, by etching with phosphoric acid (PA). Dental adhesive technologies continue to rapidly advance, and various adhesive systems have been developed since the study of Buonocore in 1955. He introduced the enamel acid-etch technique. Then, the etch-and-rinse (ER) system was developed, and subsequently, the self-etch (SE) system. Universal adhesives are a new generation of one-bottle SE adhesives that can be applied with either ER mode or SE mode, or a combined system involving selective enamel etching mode. Since the combination of PA etching and the SE system differs from conventional ER systems, the enamel bonding strategy should be carefully considered. This concise review of the literature on reliable enamel bonding strategies should prove helpful to clinicians to choose an appropriate adhesive system to achieve optimal clinical outcomes.

The effect of universal adhesives on dentine collagen

ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the integrity of dentine type I collagen after self-etching (SE) treatments with strong and mild universal adhesives. MethodsCoronal dentine specimens (n=10/product) were imaged by optical microscopy and analyzed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy before and after treatment with 32% phosphoric acid gel (PA-negative control), 17% neutral EDTA (ED-positive control) conditioners and Adhese Universal (AD), Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (CQ), G-Premio Bond (GP), Prelude One (PR) and Scotchbond Universal (SB) adhesives. From the spectroscopic analysis the following parameters were determined: a) Extent of dentine demineralization (DM%) and b) percentage area of the Amide I curve-fitted components of β-turns, 310-helix/β-turns, α-helix, random coils, β-sheets and collagen maturation (R) index. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA (DM%), paired t-test/Wilcoxon test (Amide I components) and Spearman correlation coefficient (DM% vs Amide I components) at an a=0.05 level. ResultsPA, ED and GP removed the smear-layer and opened tubule orifices, whereas all other treatments removed only the intratubular smear-layer fraction. The ranking of the statistically significant differences in DM% was PA>GP>ED>AD, SB, CQ, PR, with AD being significantly different from PR. Regarding the Amide I components, PA demonstrated a significant reduction in β-turns, α-helices and an increase in β-sheets, GP a reduction in β-turns, AD an increase in β-turns and random coils, and CQ an increase in β-turns. PR, SB and ED showed insignificant differences in all the Amide I components. Significant correlations were found between DM%-random coils and DM%-R. SignificanceThe universal adhesives used in the SE mode induced none to minimal changes in dentine collagen structure, without evidence of the destabilization pattern observed after conventional phosphoric acid treatments.

An In vitro Study to Assess the Effectiveness of the Shear Bond Strength of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate with Different Adhesive Systems.

Purpose of the Study:Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is a biocompatible material and has excellent sealing ability. It is proved and claimed that it provides double seal due to its physical sealing ability as well as ability to induce cementogenesis that provides biological seal.Aim and Objectives:The aim of the study was to assess the shear bond strength of MTA with three different types of adhesive systems: (1) self-adhering flowable composite, (2) etch and rinse (ER) adhesive system, and (3) self-etch (SE) adhesive system.Materials and Methods:Ninety MTA specimens were prepared using cylindrical acrylic blocks, having a central cavity with 2 mm depth and 4 mm diameter. MTA was mixed and placed in the prepared cavity and was covered with moist cotton pellet and temporary filling material (Cavit). They were further divided into three groups which were further divided into two subgroups. After the bonding agents was applied, the composite resin was placed over the MTA surface. The specimens were then tested for shear bond strength; statically analysis was done.Result:After 24 h, the mean value of ER group was found to be significantly higher than SE and the self-adhering composite groups. Among the 45 min groups, there was no significant difference observed.Conclusion:In single visit, after 45 min, self-adhering flowable can be used successfully as a final restorative material in place of conventional flowable composite without using any alternative adhesive system over MTA.

The influence of the operator's experience on the microleakage of two universal adhesives.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the influence of the operator's experience on the microleakage of two universal adhesives applied in self‐etch (SE) and etch‐and‐rinse (E&R) modes.Materials and methodsTwo class V cavities were prepared on the buccal and lingual surfaces of 112 caries‐free extracted human molars and were divided into eight groups based on the combination of the factors “adhesive system” (Tetric N‐Bond Universal Adhesive [TNU]; Scotchbond Universal Adhesive [SBU]), “adhesive strategy” (SE or E&R), and “the operators performing the procedures” (specialists in operative dentistry or intern students). After 24 h of water storage and thermocycling, the marginal microleakage was evaluated using the dye penetration technique and the data were analyzed.ResultsIn the SE mode, microleakage at the enamel margin for both adhesives was higher in the student group than in the specialist group (p values < 0.05). The operator's skill did not affect the microleakage scores of both adhesives applied in the E&R mode at the dentin and enamel margins or in the SE mode at the dentin margins (p > 0.05). The microleakage score was significantly higher at the dentin margins than the enamel margins for both universal adhesives applied in the E&R mode (p values <0.05).ConclusionThe microleakage values of the universal adhesives applied in the SE mode at the enamel margins were affected by the operator's skill. However, the operator's experience did not affect the microleakage scores of the two universal adhesives applied in the E&R mode at the enamel and dentin margins or in the SE mode at the dentin margins.

Effects of Phosphoric Acid Pre-Etching on Chemisorption between Enamel and MDP-Containing Universal Adhesives: Chemical and Morphological Characterization, and Evaluation of Its Potential.

This study aimed to provide evidence that phosphoric acid pre-etching is necessary for the chemisorption between enamel and 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP)-containing universal adhesives. Three MDP-containing universal adhesives: Single Bond Universal (SBU), All Bond Universal (ABU), and Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (CBQ), as well as an experimental MDP-containing adhesive (EX) were investigated. Clearfil SE Bond (CSE) was a control and untreated enamel (UE) was another control. Self-etch (SE) and etch-and-rinse (ER) bonding modes were employed for universal adhesives. The enamel surfaces with different treatments were observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The chemical bonds in the enamel reactants were determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The charge changes with phosphoric acid pre-etching or without were characterized by ζ-potential. FTIR confirmed the chemisorption between enamel and MDP-containing adhesives. XPS and 31P NMR studies detected improved chemical affinity to the phosphoric acid etching + MDP-containing universal adhesives applied with enamel. The ζ-potential of MDP-containing universal adhesives absorbed with enamel, with or without etching became more negative compared with that of UE (P < 0.05). Furthermore, single etching created a negative ζ-potential with a higher absolute value (P = 0.009). Phosphoric acid pre-etching can increase the negative charge on the enamel surface and facilitate the chemical reactions of MDP and hydroxyapatite (HAp) to produce more calcium salts, thus improving the chemisorption between enamel and MDP-containing universal adhesives.

Performance of a Universal Adhesive on Etched and Non-Etched Surfaces: Changes in Dentin Permeability

Hybridization process for dentin is well known, but remains a difficult challenge as it is dependent on many factors related to dentin substrate, adhesive nature including its solvent. The development of universal adhesives followed the all-in-one concept of existing one-step self-etch adhesives, thus requiring water in their formulation to ionize hydrophilic acid monomers. Most often, carboxylate and/or phosphate groups are their primary functional monomers [1]. Jee, et al. published in 2016 that ethanol molecules penetrate via increasing solvent accessible surfaces induced by the rearrangement of collagen monomers in the gap region [2]. The aim of this study is to evaluate the discrepancy in dentin permeability after application of a universal adhesive used in self-etching (SE) mode or etch and rinse (E&amp;R) mode, by means of hydraulic conductance measurement.

The effects of different surface contaminators on the shear bond strength of a universal adhesive system to dentin: an experimental study.

Background. Contamination of dentin surface is one of the common problems in restorative dentistry. The aim was to investigate the effects of different surface contaminators on the dentin shear bond strength (SBS) of universal adhesive system (UAS) applied in etch-and-rinse (ER) and self-etch (SE) strategies. Methods. One hundred forty-four maxillary anterior sound human teeth were divided into six groups based on the types of surface contaminators: no surface contaminator (control) and experimental groups contaminated with blood, saliva, aluminium chloride (ALC), ferric sulphate (FS), and caries disclosing agent (CDA). Then, each group was further subdivided into two, based on the application strategy of UAS (ER and SE). After applying the adhesive according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and bonding cylindrical composite samples, the SBS was measured. The data were analysed using two-way ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD test and t test (P < 0.05). Results. The SBS in all contaminated groups, except for CDA, was significantly lower in both ER and SE strategies compared to control group (P < 0.05). A comparison between the application strategies revealed that ER and SE were only significantly different in the FS contaminated group (P < 0.05). Conclusion. All tested contaminators, except CDA, significantly decreased SBS of UAS in both ER and SE strategies.

Effect of Non-Thermal Atmospheric Plasma on Micro-Tensile Bond Strength at Adhesive/Dentin Interface: A Systematic Review.

Objective: The objective of this review was to evaluate the effect of non-thermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP) on adhesives resin–dentin micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) in previously published studies. Methods: Electronic search was conducted using the Medline, Cochrane library, and Scopus databases. The included studies were laboratory studies that investigated the effect of NTAP on adhesives μTBS to coronal dentin. Studies that evaluated the effect of NTAP on bond strength to indirect substrates, enamel or root dentin, were excluded. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed. Results: Thirteen studies were included in this systematic review. All the included studies were considered to have a medium risk of bias. NTAP significantly improved μTBS at 24 h or after short-term aging in five studies (38.5%) and both immediate and after long-term aging in 5 studies (38.5%). In two studies (15.4%), NTAP resulted in a short-term material-dependent effect that was not stable after long-term aging. Interestingly, in one study (7.7%), NTAP had a positive effect only in the etch-and-rinse (ER) mode after long-term aging. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this systematic review, NTAP application could enhance resin–dentin μTBS of ER adhesives or universal adhesives (UAs) applied in the ER mode. In the ER mode, the rewetting step after NTAP seems to be unnecessary. Because of the limited information currently available in the literature, further studies are required to evaluate the effect of the NTAP application on self-etch (SE) adhesives or UAs applied in the SE mode.

Influence of Low-Level Laser Modification and Adhesive Application Mode on the Bonding Efficiency of Universal Adhesives to Er:YAG Laser-Ablated Dentin.

Introduction: Erbium laser ablation as a method of tooth preparation and conditioning has shown promising results. Although previous studies have adopted various combinations of different laser parameters and several dentin adhesive systems, very few have investigated combining high-level and low-level ER:YAG lasers with Universal adhesives. This study aimed to assess the impact of using low-energy irradiation on the surface micro-topography and shear bond strength (SBS) of universal adhesive (UA) to the erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser-ablated dentin substrate, bonded in etch-and-rinse or self-etch adhesive mode. Methods: Eighty-seven extracted molars were sectioned to expose flat occlusal dentin surface; 60 teeth were divided equally into three groups according to the surface treatment; bur-cutting (B), Er:YAG high-energy laser cutting (L1 - 200 mJ, 20 Hz, 50 μs pulse), or L1 followed by low-energy laser modification (L1 /L2 - 80 mJ, 10 Hz, 50 μs pulse). Then each group was equally divided into two groups (n=10) according to the mode of application of the universal adhesive; either etch-and-rinse (ER) or self-etching (SE). The samples were subjected to thermocycling (5000 cycle between 5°C and 55°C), and SBS was tested. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test were used to analyze the results. The remaining 27 samples were used to investigate the effect of the treatment on the topography of the treated dentin surfaces using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results: B/SE recorded the highest SBS (25.48 ± 2.6 MPa) followed by B/ER (23.20 ± 6.8 MPa) and L1 /L2 /SE (22.94 ± 4.1 MPa) and with no statistically significant difference between these groups (P >0.05). The lowest SBS results (P <0.05) were recorded for L1/SE (12.22 ± 3 MPa). No statistical differences were found between the SBS of L1 /L2 /ER and L1 /ER groups or between the SBS of L1 /L2 / ER and L1 /L2 /SE groups. Conclusion: A subsequent treatment of the Er:YAG laser-ablated dentin with low-energy laser modification mode (LMM) enhances the SBS of the tested UA when applied in SE mode.