Effect of handpiece maintenance method on bond strength

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Adhesive Dentistry
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Dental handpiece lubricants are essential for maintaining instrument longevity.
• Potential contamination of dentin surfaces with lubricants during procedures is a concern.
• The impact of lubricants on the bond strength of dental adhesives requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of dental handpiece lubricant on the shear bond strength of three different bonding agents to dentin.
• To compare the outcomes between lubrication-free and routinely lubricated handpieces.
• To assess the influence of manual versus automated lubrication application methods.

Main Methods:

• 180 extracted human teeth were prepared to expose dentin surfaces.
• Dentin was exposed to water spray from lubricated or lubrication-free handpieces under various lubrication regimens.
• Teeth were treated with total-etch, two-step; self-etch, two-step; or self-etch, one-step bonding agents.
• Resin composite cylinders were bonded, specimens thermocycled, and tested for shear bond strength.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in shear bond strength were observed between control and treatment groups.
• The type of handpiece (lubricated vs. lubrication-free) did not impact bond strength.
• Different lubrication methods (manual vs. automated) also showed no significant effect on bond strength.

Conclusions:

• Dental handpiece lubricants do not adversely affect the shear bond strength of common bonding agents to dentin.
• Routine lubrication of dental handpieces is unlikely to compromise the integrity of adhesive restorations.
• Clinicians can confidently use lubricated handpieces without concern for reduced bond strength.