Comparison between water and ethanol wet bonding of resin composite to root canal dentin

Purpose: To evaluate the bond strength of resin dentin interfaces created with adhesives applied on root dentin using the water wet or ethanol wet bonding technique. The morphology of resin dentin interfaces was evaluated using confocal microscopy. Methods: Four experimental resin adhesives (R#A to R#D) and one commercial three-step/etch and rinse adhesive were applied to the root canal dentin of endodontically treated single canal incisors using the water (control) or ethanol wet bonding technique. The ethanol wet bonding substrate was achieved by keeping the root canal immersed in absolute ethanol (100%) for 3 minutes. The root dentin bonded specimens were sectioned into beams, stored in distilled water (24 hours) and finally tested for microtensile bond strengths (mu TBS). Additional dentin surfaces were conditioned and bonded as previously described. They were prepared for the microscopy study and finally observed using confocal microscopy. Results: The ethanol wet bonding technique gave higher bond strength values for all the adhesives tested: in Group I (water wet bonding technique) no significant difference was found between the resins tested; the only exception being the most hydrophilic Resin #4 showing the highest bond strength values (P<0.05). In Group 2 (ethanol wet bonding technique) no statistical differences were present between Resin #A and Resin #D. Resin #C showed the highest bond strength values. Confocal microscopy showed better resin diffusion and hybrid layer formation when the ethanol wet bonding was used. (Am J Dent 2011;24:25-30).