WDX study of resin-dentin interface on wet vs. dry dentin

The purpose of the present study was to determine the resin-dentin Interface conditions in Wet vs. Dry Dentin. Dentin disks were prepared from extracted human premolars. Sectioned dentin surfaces were used for SEM studies of wet vs. dried acid-etched dentin. These specimens were cut perpendicular to the surface into two equal halves. One-half of the sectioned specimen was observed by SEM in three treatment groups and the other half was observed for micromorphological differences in the resin-dentin interface using Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (WDX). SEM photomicrographs of the dentin surface showed the collapse of collagen fibrils in the demineralized layer and enlargement of the tubule orifices. A collagen rich layer approximately 8-10 microns thick (WDX) was observed at the resin-dentin interface when treated with the conventional dry-bonding technique. Dentin surfaces treated by the wet-bonding technique (SB), as observed by SEM, showed an uncollapsed collagen layer, while the collagen-rich layer was approximately 1-2 microns thick (WDX). The present findings suggest that moist bonding is required for optimum infiltration of adhesive resin into the demineralized layer.