No abstract

We compared the surface free-energies and dentin bond strengths of single-step self-etch adhesives with and without an oxygen-inhibited layer. The labial dentin surfaces of bovine mandibular incisors were wet ground with #600-grit silicon carbide paper. The adhesives were applied to the ground dentin, light-irradiated, and the oxygen-inhibited layer was either retained or removed with ethanol. The surface free-energies were determined by measuring the contact angles of three test liquids placed on the cured adhesives. The dentin bond strengths of specimens with and without the oxygen-inhibited layer were measured. For all surfaces, the value of the estimated surface tension component was relatively constant at 35.5-39.8 mJ m(-2) . The value of the , Lewis acid component increased slightly when the oxygen-inhibited layer was removed, whereas that of the , Lewis base component decreased significantly. The bond strengths of the self-etch adhesives were significantly lower in specimens without an oxygen-inhibited layer (13.2-13.6 MPa) than in those with an oxygen-inhibited layer (17.5-18.4 MPa). These results indicate that the presence of an oxygen-inhibited layer in single-step self-etch adhesives with advanced photoinitiators promotes higher dentin bond strength.

Effects of a fluoride-releasing varnish containing surface reaction-type prereacted glass ionomer (S-PRG) filler on dentin demineralization were examined using optical coherence tomography. Bovine incisors that were sliced and treated with undersaturated 0.1 M lactic acid buffer solution (DE group). A thin film of varnish-containing S-PRG filler was applied before demineralization (PRG group). Control was maintained in artificial saliva. Using optical coherence tomography of selected locations on the dentin surface, peak intensity (dB) and width (μm) at 1/e 2 were obtained and integrated values calculated. Although alterations in integrated values were different in each group, there was a slight but not significant increase in those for the control group and a slight but significant increase for the De group. For the PRG group, integrated values were doubled seven days after experiment initiation, followed by a significant increase. Fluoride-releasing varnish containing S-PRG fillers prevented dentin demineralization as detected by optical coherence tomography.