Influence of oxygen-inhibited layer on dentin bond strength of chemical-cured resin composite

This study evaluated the influence of an oxygen-inhibited layer on the surface free energies of three single-step self-etch adhesives and on the bond strength of chemical-cured resin. Adhesives were applied to bovine dentin and light irradiated, and the oxygen-inhibited layer was either retained or removed. Surface free energies were determined by measuring the contact angles of test liquids placed on the cured adhesives. Dentin bond strengths of chemical-cured resin with and without the oxygen-inhibited layer were measured. Ultrastructural observation of the restorative-dentin interface was made by scanning electron microscopy. For all surfaces, values of the estimated surface tension component, Lifshitz-Van der Waals force (γS(LW)), were relatively constant. Values for the Lewis acid (γS(+)) component increased slightly when the oxygen-inhibited layer was removed, whereas those of the Lewis base (γS(-)) component decreased significantly. The bond strength of the chemical-cured resin composite was significantly higher in specimens without an oxygen-inhibited layer (7.6-8.0 MPa) than in those with an oxygen-inhibited layer (4.8-5.2 MPa). Small gaps between adhesive and resin composite were found for the group with an oxygen-inhibited layer. These results indicate that the absence of an oxygen-inhibited layer in single-step self-etch adhesives promotes higher dentin bond strength of the chemical-cured resin.