Dentin surface treatment without acids

Enhancement of the adhesiveness of dental restoratives, such as composite resins, has been clinically essential. A key point in enhancing adhesion is how to treat the dentin surface before bonding. We recently attempted to use an inorganic and non-acidic salt solution for pretreatment to dentin. We paid attention to the salting-in effect of rhodanides which promotes swelling of collagen and gelatin. For pretreatment, we used potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) solution. This study morphologically evaluated the effect of treatment of dentinal smear layer with rhodanides in combination with cross-linking agents such as ferric chloride. Scanning electron microscopy revealed effective removal of the smear layer on the treated dentin surface and obturation of dentinal plugs. Addition of the cross-linking agents to KSCN solution was more effective for pretreatment.