Effects of dentin age and bonding on microgap formation

This study compared the effectiveness of dentin adhesives in extracted molars from younger (16-26) and older (58-87) human subjects. Extracted molars were selected to be restored with one of two dentin bonding agents (n = 22 per group). Opposite sides of each molar were ground flat and a 3 mm x 3 mm cylindrical preparation was milled into each surface. The opposing surfaces of each molar were then randomly restored with either a dentin bonding system that adhered to the dentin smear layer or one which bonded to the dentin after the smear layer was removed. All samples were examined at x150 to determine both the maximum gap in micrometers and extent of the gap in degrees. There were significantly shorter (P < 0.05) microgaps in older dentin with a bonding system that removed smear layer. This bonding system also produced shorter gaps in older dentin than in younger dentin. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of gap-free margins between age groups.