Regional bond strengths of adhesive resins to pulp chamber dentin

Comparative Evaluation of the Bonding Efficacy of Multimode Adhesive, Two-Step Self-Etch Adhesive, and a Total-Etch System to Pulpal Floor Dentin - An In vitro Study

Background

Postendodontic restoration with composite resins has gained popularity due to the development of more reliable adhesives with simplified bonding procedures and less technique sensitivity. Pulpal floor dentin is a complex biological structure and a more challenging bonding substrate. Hence, appropriate selection of the bonding agent for these regions of the tooth is important.

Aims

To compare the shear bond strength of a new generation of dental adhesives referred to as multimode adhesives, two-step self-etch adhesive, and a total-etch system to pulpal floor dentin.

Materials and Methods

Sixty human mandibular molars were sectioned with a slow speed diamond disc to expose the pulp chamber and divided into four groups of 15 teeth each, based on the bonding agent used. Group A: Single bond universal (self-etch); Group B: Single Bond Universal (etch-and-rinse), Group C: Clearfil SE Bond, Group D: Adper Single Bond 2. Using a split Teflon mold, composite cylinders were built on the prepared dentinal surfaces. The shear bond strength was then evaluated with the universal testing machine.

Results

Two step self-etch adhesives recorded higher shear bond strength than total-etch and multimode/universal adhesives applied in both self-etch and etch-and-rinse techniques.

Conclusion

The self-etching/priming system bonded more strongly to the pulpal floor dentin than multimode adhesive and total-etch system.

Influence of Phosphoric Acid Etching on Bond Strength for Calcium Silicate-Based Sealers

INTRODUCTION

This study evaluated the microtensile bond strength of calcium silicate-based sealers and AH Plus depending on the use of phosphoric acid (PA) etching before immediate resin restoration.

METHODS

Exposed dentin surfaces of extracted human third molars were randomly assigned to 3 groups depending on sealer type (AH Plus [Dentsply DeTrey], CeraSeal [Meta Biomed Co.], and EndoSeal MTA [Maruchi]). Half of the samples were treated with PA for 30 seconds, and the other half were cleaned with water. Completely untreated specimens were used as controls. Self-etching adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond, Kuraray) was applied, and composite resin (Tetric N-Ceram, Ivoclar Vivadent) was used to create build-ups. After 24 hours, the microtensile bond strength was measured (EZ Test, Shimadzu Co.). The failure mode was determined by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. One-way analysis of variance with the Bonferroni correction was used to analyze the data (p<0.05).

RESULTS

The bond strength of the water-washed dentin surfaces in the calcium silicate-based sealer groups did not differ significantly from those of the control surfaces, but the PA-pretreated surfaces exhibited relatively low bond strength. The AH Plus-treated group had lower bond strength than the control group when no PA treatment was applied, but PA treatment restored the bond strength. The adhesive failure mode was most frequently found in the AH Plus group without PA etching.

CONCLUSIONS

When a water-soluble calcium silicate-based sealer is used, sufficient bond strength can be obtained by washing with water alone, with no need for PA use.

Effect of phytic acid as an endodontic chelator on resin adhesion to sodium hypochlorite-treated dentin

Objectives

Phytic acid (IP6), a naturally occurring agent, has been previously reported as a potential alternative to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). However, its effect on adhesion to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)-treated dentin and its interactions with NaOCl have not been previously reported. Thus, in this study, the effects of IP6 on resin adhesion to NaOCl-treated dentin and the failure mode were investigated and the interactions between the used agents were analyzed.

Materials and Methods

Micro-tensile bond strength (µTBS) testing was performed until failure on dentin treated with either distilled water (control), 5% NaOCl, or 5% NaOCl followed with chelators: 17% EDTA for 1 minute or 1% IP6 for 30 seconds or 1 minute. The failed specimens were assessed under a scanning electron microscope. The reaction of NaOCl with EDTA or IP6 was analyzed in terms of temperature, pH, effervescence, and chlorine odor, and the effects of the resulting mixtures on the color of a stained paper were recorded.

Results

The µTBS values of the control and NaOCl with chelator groups were not significantly different, but were all significantly higher than that of the group treated with NaOCl only. In the failure analysis, a distinctive feature was the presence of resin tags in samples conditioned with IP6 after treatment with NaOCl. The reaction of 1% IP6 with 5% NaOCl was less aggressive than the reaction of the latter with 17% EDTA.

Conclusions

IP6 reversed the adverse effects of NaOCl on resin-dentin adhesion without the chlorine-depleting effect of EDTA.

A comparative evaluation of shear bond strength of composite resin to pulp chamber dentin treated with sodium thiosulfate and proanthocyanidin: An in vitro study

Aim:

Based on the importance of coronal sealing right after endodontic treatment, this in vitro study aimed to evaluate the difference of shear bond strength to pulp chamber dentin treated with sodium thiosulfate and proanthocyanidin (PA).

Materials and Methods:

Fifteen extracted mandibular molar teeth were decoronated at the level of cementoenamel junction horizontally. The individual teeth were then sectioned mesiodistally to expose the pulp chamber dentin using a diamond disc. The specimens were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10). Group A: control group, treated with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for 30 min followed by a final rinse with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution for 3 min; Group B: after pretreatment with NaOCl and EDTA, it is further treated with 5% sodium thiosulfate (Na₂S₂O₃) for 10 min; and Group C: after pretreatment with NaOCl and EDTA, it is further treated with 6.5% PA for 10 min. After drying the specimens, a bonding agent namely One Coat Bond SL (SwissTEC, Coltene) was applied to the pulp chamber dentin followed by a composite restoration (SwissTEC, Coltene). Each specimen was then tested under a universal testing machine at the dentin/resin interface to determine the shear bond strength.

Results:

Both the groups in which 5% Na₂S₂O₃ and 6.5% PA were used for 10 min showed bond strength that was found to be statistically higher than the positive control (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The use of Na₂S₂O₃ and PA can significantly increase the bond strength of composite resin to NaOCl/EDTA-treated dentin, allowing adhesive restorations to be immediately applied after endodontic treatment.

Effect of Propolis as a Root Canal Irrigant on Bond Strength to Dentin

Purpose

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of propolis on bond strength to dentin of a self-etch adhesive when used as a final irrigant.

Methods

126 human third molars were sectioned 3 mm below the occlusal level and then randomly divided into 7 groups (n = 18). The exposed dentin surfaces were treated with irrigation solutions as follows: Group 1: 5.25% NaOCl; Group 2: 5.25% NaOCl followed by 17% EDTA; Group 3: 5.25% NaOCl followed by Tubulicid Plus (Temrex, Freeport, NY, USA); Group 4: 5.25% NaOCl followed by MTAD; Group 5: 5.25% NaOCl followed by 20% propolis; Group 6: 5.25% NaOCl followed by 2% CHX; Group 7: distilled water (control). Irrigated specimens were bonded using Clearfil SE Bond (Kuraray, Osaka, Japan) with Tygon (Saint-Gobain, Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, France), tubes for microshear bond strength testing. Data was analyzed using a one-way ANOVA and Tukey test.

Results

Among the tested groups, although the lowest bond strength values were detected in Group 1 (11.25 ± 1.97), a significant statistical difference was detected only between this group and Group 4 (18.70 ± 1.82) and Group 5 (16.75 ± 3.70) (p = 0.0012).

Conclusions

20% propolis solution as a final irrigant was found to have a favorable effect on the dentin bond strength of the tested self-etch adhesive to coronal dentin when compared with other irrigation solutions.

An in vitro evaluation of the effect of dentin deproteinization on coronal microleakage in endodontically treated teeth

Background:

The most common cause of failure of endodontic therapy is inadequate apical and coronal seal. Proper coronal seal reduces the risk of endodontic failure. Hence, the present study was done to test the role of self-etching primers in reducing microleakage through coronal seal.

Materials and Methods:

Following root canal preparation and obturation, 46 specimen teeth were subjected to one of the test methods as follows: Group I – deproteinization with 3% sodium hypochlorite and etching with 37% phosphoric acid; Group II – deproteinization with 3% sodium hypochlorite and chelation with 15% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (Glyde) without etching. Group I and Group II were further divided into two subgroups with 10 specimens in each: In subgroup A, Clearfil Liner Bond 2V was used and in subgroup B, Excite was used. Group III (obturated without access restorative material) had six specimens.

Results:

Spectrophotometric analysis was done to quantitatively analyze the amount of dye leakage. Microleakage values obtained in Group I and Group II were comparable. In Group I, marginally better values were obtained with the Clearfil Liner Bond 2V in comparison with Excite. In Group II, microleakage values obtained with Clearfil Liner Bond 2V and Excite were similar and statistically not significant. In Group III (control) where no access restoratives were placed, maximum leakage was observed.

Conclusions:

Maximum leakage values were observed in Group III, when obturated without access restorative and when exposed to artificial saliva. Clearfil Liner Bond 2V as a self-etching primer showed better values in preventing microleakage. Deproteinization may be important to reduce microleakage when using the fifth-generation bonding system (Excite) and sixth-generation bonding system (Clearfil Liner Bond 2V).

Immediate endodontic access cavity sealing: fundamentals of a new restorative technique

Endodontic access cavity sealing is conventionally performed after endodontic irrigation, referred to as delayed endodontic sealing (DES). Evidence shows that endodontic irrigation with NaOCl decreases dentinal bond quality and could cause coronal leakage. Access cavity sealing before endodontic irrigation is a new restorative approach, referred to as immediate endodontic sealing (IES). The primary aim of this in vitro study was to investigate whether IES improved internal adaptation. The secondary aim was to investigate the influence of the viscosity of the composite used to seal the dentine, on the internal adaptation in both IES and DES groups. Third molars (n= 40) with fully developed apices were used. The teeth were prepared into standard Class II MO cavities, and divided in 4 groups according to the approach, and composite viscosity was used for sealing. Group 1: IES + low viscosity composite; group 2: IES + high viscosity composite; group 3: DES + low viscosity composite; and group 4: DES + high viscosity composite. Samples were then sectioned axially for observation using scanning electron microscopy. Outcome was evaluated by determining the internal adaptation of the samples, which was judged based on the percentage of a continuous margin at the tooth-composite interface. The results were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney test. IES groups exhibited significantly greater internal adaptation (p = 0.000) as compared with DES groups. Composite viscosity did not significantly affect internal adaptation in either IES or DES groups (p > 0.005).

Microleakage evaluation of adhesive systems following pulp chamber irrigation with sodium hypochlorite

Background and aims. This in vitro study evaluated the effect of delaying composite resin restorative procedures bonded with total-etch and self-etch adhesive systems on microleakage following root canal irrigation with sodium hy-pochlorite (NaOCl) solution. Materials and methods. The roofs of pulp chambers and roots (1&ndash;2 mm below furcation) of 40 human first molar teeth were cut and pulp tissues completely removed. The teeth were randomly divided into two main groups (n = 20). Group E (experimental) was irrigated with 5% NaOCl and group C (control) was left untreated. For the experimental group, after obturation of root canals with gutta-percha and sealing the cavity with Cavit, the specimens were stored in artificialsaliva for two weeks. Then each group was divided into two subgroups according to the total-etch or self-etch adhesive application protocol: Scotchbond Multi-Purpose and Clearfil SE Bond. The specimens were restored with composite resin using each bonding agent: Z250 and Clearfil Photo Core, respectively. Fluid filtration method was used for evaluation of microleakage. Data was analyzed using two-way ANOVA ( α= 0.05). Results. Two types of dentin adhesive systems showed no statistically significant differences in microleakage (P = 0.77). NaOCl-treated groups demonstrated significantly higher microleakage values compared to the non-NaOCl-treated groups (P= 0.001). The interaction between the two factors was not significant (P = 0.78). Conclusion. Differences in inlay temperature had no effect on microleakage. CAD/CAM inlays had lower cement thick-ness than laboratory-made inlays, but this was not related to their microleakage.

Effects of curing mode and moisture on nanoindentation mechanical properties and bonding of a self-adhesive resin cement to pulp chamber floor

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of dentin surface moisture and curing mode on microtensile bond strength (MTBS) and nanoindentation characteristics of a self-adhesive resin cement.

METHODS

Forty-four extracted human molars were distributed into four groups according to dentin surface moisture (dry or wet) and curing mode of the resin cement (light or chemical). Clearfil SA Cement (Kuraray Noritake Dental, Japan) was used for cementation of composite cores to the pulp chamber dentin. The specimens were sectioned into beams for MTBS test at the pulpal floor. Nanoindentation hardness and creep of the cement layer were measured under 100 mN load with 30s hold segment. Data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Weibull distribution of MTBS (α=0.05).

RESULTS

Moisture, curing mode or their interaction did not significantly affect mean MTBS values that ranged 17.6-22.6 MPa (p>0.05); however, the lowest characteristic strength was found in moist chemically cured group. Hardness ranged 437-512 MPa, and was not affected by the experimental factors (p>0.05). Nanoindentation creep ranged 9.3-10.9% with the chemically cured groups showing the highest values, indicating lower cross-linking and deformation resistance of their polymer network.

SIGNIFICANCE

Additional moisture on dentin surface did not contribute to adhesion of the anhydrous self-adhesive resin cement to dentin. Light-curing, despite attenuation through the composite core, was beneficial and improved nanoindentation creep resistance of the cement. The difference was not, however, reflected in the mean bond strength or hardness values.

Micro-tensile bond strength of adhesives to pulp chamber dentin after irrigation with Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different concentrations of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution on adhesion, that is, the bond strength of the different adhesive systems, to the pulp chamber dentin.

Materials and Methods:

Recently extracted, sound, human, third molars were cut horizontally to expose the pulp horn. The roof of the pulp chamber and pulp tissue was removed. The teeth were then divided into five main groups. The teeth in each group were treated as follows: group 1, irrigated with saline; group 2, with 5% EDTA for 5 minutes; group 3, with 15% EDTA for 5 minutes; group 4, with 17% EDTA for 5 minutes and group 5, with 19% EDTA for 5 minutes. Treated specimens were dried and divided into 2 subgroups for adhesives; bonded with a total-etching adhesive (Adper Scotchbond Multi-purpose - ASB) or a one bottle of self-etch adhesive system (Clearfil S3 Bond – CS3). After the bonding procedure and composite restoration, teeth were sectioned and dentin sticks were obtained from each group for micro tensile testing (n = 10). Micro tensile testing was performed and scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs were taken for each irrigated group.

Results:

In the ASB group, saline showed statistically higher bond strength values at the different concentrations of EDTA, while the micro-tensile bond strengths of the different concentrations of EDTA were not statistically different. In the CS3 group, saline and 5% EDTA showed statistically higher bond strength values than 17% and 19% EDTA, while the micro-tensile bond strengths of 15% EDTA compared to saline and 5% EDTA and 15% EDTA compared to 17% EDTA and 19% EDTA, were not statistically different.

Conclusion:

This study showed that EDTA irrigation can affect the bond strength of adhesive systems on pulp chamber lateral walls. Clinically, low EDTA concentrations can be recommended if self-etch adhesives have been selected.

Influence of sodium hypochlorite and edta on the microtensile bond strength of a self-etching adhesive system

Chemical substances used during biomechanical preparation of root canals can alter the composition of dentin surface and affect the interaction with restorative materials.

Effect of Chemical Irrigants on the Bond Strength of a Self-Etching Adhesive to Pulp Chamber Dentin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of endodontic irrigants on adhesion to pulp chamber dentin. Seventy crowns of bovine incisors were cut to expose the pulp chamber. Specimens were divided into seven groups, according to the irrigant solution used: G1, 0.9% sodium chlorite (control); G2, 5.25% NaOCl; G3, 5.25% NaOCl + 17% EDTA; G4, 2% chlorhexidine solution; G5, 2% CHX solution + 17% EDTA; G6, 2% chlorhexidine in a gel base; and G7, 2% CHX gel + 17% EDTA. After irrigation, Clearfil SE Bond was applied to pulp chamber dentin, followed by Filtek Z250 composite. Six rectangular sticks were obtained from each specimen and dentin/resin interface was tested in tension. Bond strength means were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test. There was a significant decrease in bond strength associated to NaOCl, whereas chlorhexidine irrigation showed no effects on adhesion. It was concluded that endodontic irrigants affected differently bond strength to pulp chamber dentin.

Influence of ascorbic acid on bonding of peroxide-affected dentin and 4-META/MMA-TBB resin

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tensile bond strength (TBS) to peroxide-exposed dentin. Furthermore, the effect of ascorbic acid (AA) on the bond strength of peroxide-exposed dentin was investigated. Extracted bovine dentin was exposed to 10% carbamide peroxide, 30% hydrogen peroxide, or distilled water for 30 min, then treated with 10% AA (0, 30, 90, and 180 min), and conditioned with 10% citric acid/3% ferric chloride. The polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) rod was bonded to the treated bovine dentin with 4-META/MMA-TBB resin. A minidumbbell-shaped bonded specimen was prepared from these bonded assemblies and the TBS was tested. The fractured surfaces were also observed with a scanning electron microscope. Exposure to peroxide before bonding significantly reduced bond strength. The application of AA to the peroxide-exposed dentin increased bond strength. On the other hand, an adverse effect of AA was found in distilled water-affected dentin. Extended resin fibers were partially seen in the peroxide-exposed dentin. In conclusion, peroxide reduced the bond strength, and the stronger the oxidation, the weaker the obtained bond. Antioxidation with AA recovered the bond strength, and this effect increased the longer the AA was applied.

Effect of bleaching agents on bonding to pulp chamber dentine

AIM

To determine the effect of intracoronal bleaching agents on adhesion of bonding agents to pulp chamber dentine.

METHODOLOGY

Forty extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were randomly divided into four groups of 10 teeth each. Bleaching agents were sealed in pulp chambers for 7 days, as in clinical use. Group 1 (control): distilled water, group 2: 35% hydrogen peroxide, group 3: sodium perborate mixed with water, and group 4: sodium perborate mixed with 35% hydrogen peroxide. Teeth were stored in saline at 37 degrees C for 7 days. After the bleaching agent was removed, teeth were leached in water for a further 7 days prior to bonding. The crown was cut vertically from mesial to distal and the labial pulp chamber dentine was prepared for bonding with Clearfil SE-Bond and filled with resin composite (Clearfil AP-X). The bonded specimens were kept moist at 37 degrees C for 24 h. Microtensile bond strengths were determined using a universal testing machine. Additional teeth were prepared using the same bleaching procedures to investigate the scanning electron microscopic appearance of the dentine surface.

RESULTS

Mean values (+/-SD) of microtensile bond strength for the experimental groups were: group 1: 5.29 +/- 2.21 MPa, group 2: 5.99 +/- 1.51 MPa, group 3: 9.17 +/- 1.65 MPa and group 4: 3.99 +/- 1.31 MPa. Dentine treated with sodium perborate in water (group 3) had significantly higher mean bond strength when compared with the other three groups (P < 0.05, Tukey's test). Mean bond strength was lowest when dentine was treated with sodium perborate plus hydrogen peroxide (group 4).

CONCLUSIONS

In terms of subsequent bond strength during restoration, sodium perborate mixed with distilled water appears to be the best intracoronal bleaching agent.

Evaluation of the Apical Seal in Root Canals Prepared with a New Rotary System and Obturated with a Methacrylate Based Endodontic Sealer: An In Vitro Study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro the apical seal of root canals prepared with a new rotary system, Anatomic Endodontic Technology (AET) and filled with a methacrylate based endodontic sealer and a single gutta-percha cone and a lateral condensation technique, using the methacrylate based endodontic sealer/filler or Grossman's cement. The root canals of 45 freshly extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were prepared and then randomly assigned to three groups of 15 teeth each. After cleaning and shaping the teeth were obturated as follows: in group 1 the canals were filled with a methacrylate based sealer and a single gutta-percha cone; in group 2 the canals were filled using a lateral condensation technique with gutta-percha and the methacrylate based sealer; and in group 3, the canals were filled by means of lateral condensation of gutta-percha and Grossman's cement (control group). The specimens were stored in 100% relative humidity at 37 degrees C for 72 h, after which the coronal portion and the root surface of each tooth was covered with three layers of nail varnish and a final layer of sticky wax. After immersion in 2% methylene blue dye for 7 days, the specimens were imbedded in clear orthodontic resin and sectioned. Dye penetration was evaluated by an independent investigator using a stereo microscope. The results demonstrated that more pronounced leakage occurred in root canals obturated with the lateral condensation technique and Grossman's cement (p < 0.05). The least amount of dye leakage was observed for group 1 and 2 in which the methacrylate based sealer was used, either with a single gutta-percha cone or with lateral condensation of gutta-percha.

Adhesive Dentistry and Endodontics: Materials, Clinical Strategies and Procedures for Restoration of Access Cavities: A Review

The complexity of restorative dentistry has increased greatly in recent years, with the myriad of products used in "adhesive dentistry." So too has the "simple" matter of restoring access cavities after completion of endodontic treatment. This review discusses current methods of "bonding" to tooth structure, ceramic materials, and metals, with emphasis on those aspects that are important to endodontics. Specific materials, procedures and major decision making elements are discussed, as well as how to avoid problems in compatibility between endodontic and restorative materials.

Effect of Solvents on Bonding to Root Canal Dentin

The long-term success of resin cementation of post/cores is likely increased with improvement in resin-root canal dentin bonding. The adverse effect of some irrigation constituents (NaOCl, H2O2) or medications (eugenol) on the bond strengths of resins to dentin have been reported. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of two gutta-percha solvents (chloroform versus halothane) on microtensile bond strength to root canal dentin. Thirty, extracted, human, single-rooted teeth were instrumented to a #70 file and randomly divided into 3 groups of 10 each. The root canals were treated with water, chloroform, or halothane for 60 s. All root canals were obturated using C&B Metabond. After 24 h of storage in distilled water, serial 1-mm-thick cross-sections were cut and trimmed. Microtensile bond strength to apical, middle, and coronal root canal dentin were measured using an Instron machine. Using pooled data, the results indicated that water-treated roots had significantly higher resin-dentin bond strengths compared with chloroform or halothane treatment groups (control: 23.9 MPa; chloroform: 18.3 MPa; halothane: 17 MPa; p < 0.05). Gutta-percha solvents have an adverse effect on bond strengths of adhesive cements to root canal dentin.

Effect of NaOCl on Bond Strengths of Bonding Agents to Pulp Chamber Lateral Walls

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 5% NaOCl on bond strengths of four bonding systems-Clearfil SE Bond, Prompt L-Pop, Prime&Bond NT, and Scotchbond Multi Purpose Plus-to pulp chamber mesial walls. Forty mandibular third molar teeth were used in the study. The pulp chambers of the first 20 teeth were restored with bonding agents and composite resins after 5% NaOCl irrigation, and the remaining teeth were restored without 5% NaOCl treatment. Each bonding group had five teeth. Three rectangular thin sticks (1+/-0.03 mm) were obtained from the mesial wall of restored pulp chambers by horizontal sectioning. In general, NaOCl application decreased the bond strength values of the bonding agents. Both Clearfil SE Bond and Prompt L-Pop without NaOCL showed higher bond strength values than the other bonding groups. In NaOCl-applied groups, Clearfil SE Bond had the highest bond strength. It can be concluded that self-etching bonding systems are more successful than the other systems in bonding to pulp chamber dentinal wall and that NaOCl reduces bond strength.

Micro-tensile bond strengths of bonding agents to pulpal floor dentine

AIM

The purpose of this study was to characterize the dentine surface of the pulpal floor and to determine the micro-tensile bond strengths of two dentine adhesive systems used in conjunction with a resin composite core material to pulpal floor dentine.

METHODOLOGY

Thirty-six extracted human molars were cut horizontally with a slow-speed diamond saw to expose the pulp chamber and the pulp tissue was removed. Eight teeth were used to investigate characteristics of untreated and etched dentine surfaces of the pulpal floor using SEM. Twenty-eight teeth were randomly allocated to two groups, each of 14 teeth. In group 1, a 'one-bottle' system (Prime & Bond NT) was used as dentine bonding agent and in group 2, a self-etching-priming system (Clearfil SE Bond) was applied. Pulp chambers of both groups were then filled with resin composite core buildup (FluoroCore) and kept moist in tap water at 37 degrees C for 24 h. Samples were prepared for micro-tensile bond testing by sectioning each tooth vertically in the mid-pulpal floor region and shaped to an hour-glass form of 1 +/- 0.2 mm(2) area at the bonded interface. Micro-tensile bond strengths were determined using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm min-1. Fractured surfaces were examined by SEM.

RESULTS

The intact pulpal floor showed numerous calcospherites with variable tubule density and few accessory canals. Etching the pulpal floor with 34% phosphoric acid gel resulted in an irregular surface with patent dentinal tubules and the dome-shaped calcospherites mostly lost. With self-etching primer, the superficial dentine surface was less demineralized and little peritubular dentine matrix was removed. Mean bond strength for the self-etching-priming (Clearfil SE Bond) specimens was significantly greater than for 'one-bottle' (Prime & Bond NT) specimens (P< 0.05, Student's t-test). The fracture mode of Clearfil SE Bond specimens was mostly partial cohesive failure within dentine, whilst Prime & Bond NT specimens mostly showed partial cohesive failure in bonding resin/composite.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite an irregular surface morphology and absence of a smear layer, bonding to pulpal floor dentine was weaker than previously reported for cut coronal dentine. The self-etching-priming system bonded more strongly than the 'one-bottle' system.

Effects of sodium hypochlorite and RC-prep on bond strengths of resin cement to endodontic surfaces

There is concern that the use of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and RC-Prep may lower the bond strength of resin cements. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of 5% NaOCl and RC-Prep treatment on the bond strength of a resin cement, C&B Metabond. Control roots (group 1) were biomechanically prepared using 0.9% NaCl as an irrigant; group 2, roots with 5% NaOCl; group 3, roots with RC-Prep; group 4, roots with 0.9% NaCl followed by 10% ascorbic acid; group 5, roots with 5% NaOCl followed by 10% ascorbic acid (pH 4); group 6, roots with 5% NaOCl followed by 10% neutral sodium ascorbate; and group 7, roots with RC-Prep followed by 10% ascorbic acid. All roots were then filled with C&B Metabond, incubated in water for 24 h, and then cross-sectioned into six 1-mm thick slabs representing cervical and middle root dentin. The slabs were trimmed and tested for tensile bond strength. The results demonstrated that both 5% NaOCl and RC-Prep produced significantly (p < 0.05) large reductions in resin-dentin bond strengths, and the reductions could be completely reversed by the application of either 10% ascorbic acid or 10% sodium ascorbate.