Effects of etching time of primary dentin on interface morphology and microtensile bond strength.

Objectives: To determine the influence of different etching times (5, 15 or 30 s) on the morphology and micro-tensile bond strength (muTBS) of primary dentin.

Methods: For muTBS study, nine primary molars were randomly distributed in three experimental groups. Three Class I cavities per tooth were drilled and etched (37% orthophosphoric acid gel for 5, 15 or 30 s). Excite adhesive was applied and cavities restored with a resin composite (Tetric Ceram). Composite/dentin bars (ca. 1 mm2 section) were obtained from teeth and tested in tension until debonding. Means of muTBS results were compared with ANOVA and Student-Neuman-Keuls post hoc tests. Morphology: Three occlusal cavities were prepared in five primary molars. Each cavity was etched and restored as described for previous groups and teeth were sectioned mesio-distally. One half of each tooth was prepared for using under optical microscopy using Masson's trichromic dye technique and the other half was examined by SEM.

Results: muTBS mean (S.D.) results (in MPa) were 5 s etch: 6.20 (2.81), 15 s: 13.43 (5.91), 30 s: 13.04 (5.67). muTBS groups were Excite 5 s < Excite 15 s = Excite 30 s. Masson's trichromic technique stained the demineralized dentin layer red in all specimens. The mean (S.D.) thickness of the demineralized layers (in mu) were 5 s: 3.28 (1.23), 15 s: 3.83 (1.26), 30 s: 4.44 (1.70). There is a statistically significant linear relationship between time of application of etching and mean depth of demineralized layer. This relationship was established as depth (in mu) = 3.08 + 0.05 time (in s).

Significance: The minimum adequate etching time for primary dentin is 15s.