Increased Durability of Resin-Dentin Bonds Following Cross-Linking Treatment

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Adhesive Dentistry

Background:

• Acid-etched dentin is susceptible to degradation over time.
• Maintaining resin-dentin bond integrity is crucial for restoration longevity.
• Carbodiimide (EDC) has shown potential in biomaterial cross-linking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term effect of carbodiimide (EDC) treatment on acid-etched dentin.
• To assess the impact of EDC on the bond strength of a simplified etch-and-rinse adhesive system.
• To determine if EDC application prevents resin-dentin bond degradation over 12 months.

Main Methods:

• Sound human third molars were acid-etched and treated with deionized water or 0.5 mol/L EDC for 30 or 60 seconds.
• A simplified etch-and-rinse adhesive (Single Bond 2) was applied, followed by resin composite restoration.
• Microtensile bond strength testing was performed at 24 hours, 6 months, and 12 months.
• Nanoleakage was analyzed using silver ion accumulation.

Main Results:

• EDC treatment (30 and 60 seconds) did not compromise immediate resin-dentin bond strength compared to the control.
• EDC application effectively prevented bond degradation after 12 months in artificial saliva.
• Significantly lower silver ion accumulation was observed in EDC-treated groups, indicating reduced nanoleakage.

Conclusions:

• 0.5 mol/L EDC application for 30 or 60 seconds is effective in preventing resin-dentin bond degradation.
• The 60-second EDC application demonstrated superior efficacy in maintaining bond integrity over 12 months.
• EDC treatment represents a promising strategy for enhancing the durability of adhesive restorations.