The influence of the modification of etched bovine dentin on bond strengths

Objective: The aim of this study was to modify demineralized bovine dentin surfaces by application of either 12.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), or 0.1% (w/w) Type I collagenase, after conditioning with phosphoric acid, to observe the demineralized surface and to investigate the effect on tensile bond strength. Methods: The NaOCl was applied to etched dentin for 30 s, 1 or 2 min and the collagenase for 1, 3 or 6 h. A control group was used without NaOCl or collagenase treatment. Prior to bonding, treated surfaces were examined using an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). A 2.3 mm diameter area of dentin was conditioned, treated and bonded with either One Coat Bond or Single Bond following each manufacturerʹs instructions, and a resin composite rod attached. Bonds were stressed in tension at a rate of 1 mm/min until failure. Mean bond strengths were calculated (MPa) and mode of failure was determined by observation at 20× magnification. Results were analyzed using multiple regression analysis and LSD test at the 95% level of confidence (n=12). Results: AFM results showed progressive changes of the surface collagen as the treatment time of NaOCl or collagenase increased. For both bonding systems, the bond strengths of 1 min NaOCl and 3 h collagenase treatments were significantly higher than the control or other treatment groups (p<0.05). Bond failure consisted of mostly adhesive failure between dentin and resin combined with small regions exhibiting cohesive failure of resin. Significance: Bond strengths were not dependent on the thickness of the hybrid layer, but rather quality of the hybrid layer.