Resin tag formation of self-etching adhesives

Abstract

The aims of the present study was to observe resin tag of the resin/enamel, dentin interface produced by self-etching adhesive systems and evaluate effect of additional acid etching on resin tag formation. Three self-etching primer(SE bond, AQ bond and L Pop) and an one bottle adhesive(Single bond) were used. Flat occlusal enamel and dentin disks were obtained from extracted human molars. A total of 20 surfaces were collected and divided into four groups of 5 samples. One-half of each specimen in each group was etched with 35% phosphoric acid prior to the application of each adhesive system, with the second half being kept unetched. Subsequently, resin composite was placed and polymerized. The samples were sliced and immersed into HCl and NaOCl solutions, followed by drying and sputter coating for examination with a SEM. The results were as follows; 1. Additional etching side of dentin displayed longer and thicker resin tag than unetched side in all self-etching adhesive groups. 2. In enamel, additional etching side displayed deeper and more distinct etching pattern than unetched side except L Pop. There is no difference between etched and unetched enamel in L Pop. The results obtained suggest the self-etching adhesive did not etch enamel and penetrate into dentinal tubule as deeply as did additional etching. Further research should include the evaluation of the relationship of boding strength, microleakage and resin tag morphology.