Effect of different surface-cleaning techniques on the bond strength of composite resin restorations

Statement of problem Different techniques have been suggested for cleaning dentin surfaces after the removal of an interim prosthesis and before the application of a bonding agent. How different surface-cleaning techniques affect the bond strength of the composite resin restorations is not clear. Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different surface-cleaning techniques on the bond strength of composite resin restorations and the surface topography of the prepared tooth surfaces. Material and methods The occlusal surfaces of 25 molars were ground until the dentin was exposed. A bonding agent and interim cement were applied on the teeth. The teeth were divided into 5 groups (n=5) according to the method used for surface-cleaning (microairborne-particle abrasion, alcohol, rubber-rotary instrument, desiccating agent, and control). Once the surfaces of the teeth had been cleaned, the same bonding material was applied to the teeth. A 5-mm-thick composite resin layer was built up. Each specimen was sectioned to microbars, and 6 centrally located beams were selected for microtensile testing (n=30) (1.10 ±0.10 mm). The data were statistically analyzed with 1-way ANOVA (1-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test). The Bonferroni test was used for significantly different groups (α=.05). One specimen from each group was observed under a scanning electron microscope and an atomic force microscope. Energy dispersive x-ray analysis also was performed. Results Bond strength values were in the following descending order: microairborne-particle abrasion, desiccating agent, alcohol, rubber-rotary instrument, control. Differences between the microairborne-particle abrasion group and the remainder of the groups, desiccating agent--rubber-rotary instrument, desiccating agent-control, alcohol--rubber-rotary instrument, and alcohol-control groups, were statistically significant ( P Conclusions Surface-cleaning techniques, except for the rubber-rotary instrument, increased the bond strength of composite resin. The roughest dentin surfaces and highest bond strength were achieved with the microairborne-particle abrasion technique.