Microtensile bond strength of resin cements to caries-affected dentin

Statement of problem The bonding of resin materials to caries-affected dentin, especially self-adhesive cements, remains a challenge in dentistry. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bond strength of different resin cements to sound or caries-affected dentin at 24 hours and 6 months after the bonding procedure. Material and Methods Thirty-six human molars were used, 18 sound and 18 affected by caries. Indirect composite resin blocks (Tescera) were bonded to dentin by using 3 different resin cements: RelyX ARC, Panavia F, and RelyX Unicem. A universal testing machine was used to measure the microtensile bond strength 24 hours and 6 months after the bonding procedure. Representative specimens were analyzed with a scanning electron microscopy. The results were submitted to 3-way analysis of variance and the Fisher test (α=.05). Results The highest values of microtensile bond strength were found with RelyX ARC for both tooth conditions (P<.001). There was no difference between RelyX Unicem and Panavia F (P>.05). There was no difference between caries-affected and sound dentin (P=.89). Conclusions Caries did not influence the bonding strength of resin cements to dentin. © 2013 The Editorial Council of the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.