Moist versus dry dentin: its effect on shear bond strength

This study compared the shear bond strengths of dentin bonding systems applied to air dried and blot (moist) dried dentin. Five systems with primers possessing hydrophilic properties were evaluated. Three contained acetone. All Bond, Amalgambond, Mirage Bond and Tenure all produced significant statistical improvement in shear bond strength values when applied to moistened dentin. Mirage Bond values quadrupled. Bond strength values with Gluma were compromised by the presence of moisture. It was concluded that acetone probably facilitated deeper and more complete penetration of resin into dentin to enhance micro-mechanical retention. Amalgambond, while free of acetone is strongly hydrophilic and is known to form substantial mechanical bonding through the formation of a resin rich superficial layer of dentin (hybridization). Gluma while hydrophilic does not appear to possess the same behavioral characteristics embodied in the other systems as evidenced from lack of a bond to moist dentin.