Effect of 4% titanium tetrafluoride application on shear bond strength of composite resin: An in vitro study

AIMS: The objective of thisstudy is to evaluate and compare 4% titanium tetrafluoride with 2% Sodium fluoride, and the bond strength of composite resin with dentin and their effects on the smear layer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty freshly extracted non-carious molar and premolar teeth were selected. The occlusal surfaces of the teeth were ground, to prepare flat dentin surfaces at a depth of 2 mm and were randomly grouped with 10 specimens in each. Group I (Etching + Adhesive + Composite resin) was taken as a control group. In Group II, 4% titanium tetrafluoride was applied before etching and in Group III, 4% titanium tetrafluoride was applied after etching. In Group IV, 2% Sodium fluoride was applied before etching and in Group V, 2% Sodium fluoride was applied after etching. Shear bond strength was tested using the Lloyds Universal testing machine and was recorded in MPa. RESULTS: The results were statistically analyzed using the one-way Anova test. Group III showed the highest bond strength among the experimental groups, but less than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this in vitro study, titanium tetrafluoride did not significantly affect the bond strength of the composite. Sodium fluoride was found to deleteriously affect the bond strength of the composite.