Abstract
A variety of surface pre-treatments have been advocated to prepare the dentin prior to placement of a bonding agent. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of various dentin conditioners upon the degree of resin impregnation to the dentinal tubules and the shear bond strength of a new dentinal bonding agent (Scotchbond 2) used in conjunction with a visible light cured composite (Silux). The healthy eighty human molars extracted due to periodontal or orthodontic reasons were used and randomly divided into five groups. All the grinded dentin surfaces were conditioned with 3% $H_2O_2$, Cavity Cleanser (Columbus/Bayer), Dentin Conditioner (GC Inter. Corp.), Scotchprep (3M Co.) according to the manufacturer's directions. The specimens were then demineralized in 10% HCl for 20 sec. and 24 hrs. in order to observe the resin tags in Hitachi X-450 scanning electron microscope at 25KV. Also, shear strengths were obtained using an Instron Testing Machine with a cross head speed of 1 mm/min. The following results were obtained ; 1. In group treating with Dentin Conditioner and Scotchprep, the resin strings were formed on most of the surfaces and penetrated more than $50{\mu}m$ into the tubules. 2. The inner surface of resin treated with Cavity Cleanser, indicating the resin strings formed partly and penetrated about in depth of $30{\mu}m$. 3. In control and experimental group treated with 3% $H_2O_2$, the resin tags were not formed, if any, penetrated shortly. 4. Shear bond strengths in groups treating with Dentin Conditioner and Scotchprep were statistically significant increase than with 3% $H_2O_2$. (P<0.01). 5. The Scotchprep treatment group was significantly higher in shear strength than groups treated with no conditioning and Cavity Cleanser.(P<0.01) 6. Shear bond strengths evaluated were gradually increase in proportion to the tag length of resin impregnation.