[Adhesion mechanism of MMA/TBBO resin containing 4-META to decalcified dentin]

As a model experiment to understand the mechanism of adhesion of the 4-META-MMA/TBBO resin to dentin, 4-META-MMA/TBBO was polymerized in the presence of decalcified dentin sheet treated with citric acid (CA) aqueous solution containing ferric chloride (FC). Curing time of MMA/TBBO resin was reduced by the addition of 4-META to MMA. Addition of 4-META increased molecular weight of PMMA. PMMA polymerized inside the decalcified dentin sheet was insoluble in acetone. PMMA obtained from the monomer liquid used in commercial Super-Bond C & B was all insoluble and no soluble fraction was obtained. These results suggested that 4-META accelerated polymerization of MMA-TBBO resin in the presence of ferric ion and was effective to enhance molecular weight of PMMA. These effects seemed to be related to high bond strength of Super-Bond with dentin.