Evaluation of the effect of surface moisture on dentinal tensile bond strength to dentine adhesive: An in vitro study

AIM: To evaluate the effect of surface moisture on dentinal tensile bond strength. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty freshly extracted caries free, unrestored human mandibular molars were selected. The occlusal surfaces of each tooth were ground to prepare flat dentin surfaces at a depth of 1.5 mm. Following acid etching with 37% phosphoric acid for 15 sec, they were randomly grouped, with ten specimens in each: Group I – Over wet, Group II – Blot dry, Group III- One second dry, Group IV- Over dry. Each group was treated with a single bond adhesive system (3M ESPE) as per manufacturer’s instructions. Blocks or cylinders of composite resin were built up using Teflon mould and cured. Tensile bond strengths were tested using Instron universal testing machine. The results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The mean tensile bond strength values of group II, Blot dry was highest and statistically significant (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: After acid etching and rinsing blot drying provided consistently better bond strength.