Micro-tensile bond strength of adhesives to pulp chamber dentin after irrigation with Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different concentrations of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution on adhesion, that is, the bond strength of the different adhesive systems, to the pulp chamber dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Recently extracted, sound, human, third molars were cut horizontally to expose the pulp horn. The roof of the pulp chamber and pulp tissue was removed. The teeth were then divided into five main groups. The teeth in each group were treated as follows: group 1, irrigated with saline; group 2, with 5% EDTA for 5 minutes; group 3, with 15% EDTA for 5 minutes; group 4, with 17% EDTA for 5 minutes and group 5, with 19% EDTA for 5 minutes. Treated specimens were dried and divided into 2 subgroups for adhesives; bonded with a total-etching adhesive (Adper Scotchbond Multi-purpose - ASB) or a one bottle of self-etch adhesive system (Clearfil S3 Bond – CS3). After the bonding procedure and composite restoration, teeth were sectioned and dentin sticks were obtained from each group for micro tensile testing (n = 10). Micro tensile testing was performed and scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs were taken for each irrigated group. RESULTS: In the ASB group, saline showed statistically higher bond strength values at the different concentrations of EDTA, while the micro-tensile bond strengths of the different concentrations of EDTA were not statistically different. In the CS3 group, saline and 5% EDTA showed statistically higher bond strength values than 17% and 19% EDTA, while the micro-tensile bond strengths of 15% EDTA compared to saline and 5% EDTA and 15% EDTA compared to 17% EDTA and 19% EDTA, were not statistically different. CONCLUSION: This study showed that EDTA irrigation can affect the bond strength of adhesive systems on pulp chamber lateral walls. Clinically, low EDTA concentrations can be recommended if self-etch adhesives have been selected.