Influences of desensitizing agents on bond strength of etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesive system to dentin

Background: Cervical lesions requiring adhesive restoration may present with dentin hypersensitivity, but the effect of desensitizer treatment on microtensile bond strength (MBS) is inconclusive. Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of two types of dentin desensitizing treatment on bond strength to dentin. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six extracted human mandibular first premolars were used to obtain superficial buccal cervical dentin. The samples were assigned to two groups (18/group): etch-and-rinse (ERS) (Optibond® Solo) and self-etch (Palfique) adhesive systems. Eighteen teeth in each group were randomly assigned to three desensitizer treatments (6/treatment); control (no desensitization), Gluma™ desensitizerand Novamin-containing toothpaste (Sensodyne repair and protect™). Bonded dentin-composite specimens were stored in artificial saliva for 2 weeks prior to scanning electron microscope (SEM) evaluation and MBS testing. Univariate analysis of variance and Tukey tests were performed (α = 0.05) for the data analysis. Results: The mean MBS with self-etch system (SES) was significantly higher than ERS system, irrespective of the dentin desensitizer regimen. SEM showed no hybrid layer or resin tag formation in the SES group. Tubular occlusion was observed in all specimens treated with desensitizer. Conclusion: Mild self-etch adhesive can be used on dentin treated with Gluma or bioglass-containing desensitizer without compromising the bond strength. Clinical Relevance: Dentin desensitizer such as in-office Gluma or at-home Novamin-containing toothpaste could be used without compromising the bond strength of mild self-etch adhesive systems.