The effect of two smear layer cleansers on shear bond strength to dentin

Prevention of microleakage and post-operative sensitivity depends upon maintenance of the integrity of the bond between the resin composite and the tooth. Removal of the dentinal smear layer allows for better bond strengths for the newer dentinal bonding agents. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strengths of a light-cured composite to dentin treated with one proprietary and one experimental cleansing agent. Bond strengths for the teeth cleansed with the experimental cleansing agent were significantly (p less than 0.05) greater than bond strengths of teeth cleansed with EDTA.