Shear bond strength of amalgam adhesives to dentin

This study compared the bond strength of resinous adhesives used to bond amalgam to dentin. The adhesives were: All-Bond 2 (AB), Liner-F (LF), SuperBond C&B (SB), Amalgambond (AM), Photo Bond (PB), and Panavia (PA). Occlusal surfaces of non-carious molars were ground wet to 600 grit finish, exposing dentin. The dentin surfaces were conditioned and the adhesives were applied according to manufacturers' instructions. Dispersalloy amalgam (D) was condensed onto the adhesive immediately. For comparison, resin composite, Photo Posterior (PO) and Bis-Fil (BIS) were used. After 24 hours of storage in 100% humidity at room temperature, shear bond strengths were determined with a shear testing jig in an Instron testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute. The data were compared using ANOVA, P < 0.01. AB, LF, D had significantly higher bond strengths than other amalgam adhesives. There was no significant difference between SB, D and PB, PO. Bond strength of PB, PA, D was significantly higher than PA, D. Thus, there were significant differences among adhesives for bonding amalgams. Amalgam to dentin and composite to dentin bond strength were comparable except for the All-Bond groups. Fracture patterns at the dentin/restoration interfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).