Estimation of the effect of acetone- or ethanol-based solvents on shear bond strength of composite resin using air- and blot-dry techniques.

Background: An adequate amount of water is necessary to maintain the shape of collagen fibrils while excess water hampers dentin-resin bonding. Air-drying lacks control while blot-drying displaces water in a controlled manner. Solvents in adhesives affect the configuration of collagen fibrils. Thus, the present study aimed to compare the influence of air- or blot-drying methods on shear bond strength (SBS) of acetone- and ethanol-based adhesives.

Materials And Methods: Thirty-six extracted noncarious third molars with similar crown heights were selected. Teeth were decoronated and randomly divided into two groups: after acid etching, Group I was treated with acetone-based adhesives and Group II with ethanol-based adhesives. They were again subdivided into subgroups A (blot-dried) and B (air-dried) containing nine samples each. Dentin surfaces were etched and rinsed. After the respective drying method, adhesive application and composite buildup were done. SBS was measured. The data were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results: Acetone-based adhesive showed the highest SBS in both drying methods. Further, blot-dried dentin produced significantly higher SBS than air-dried dentin.

Conclusion: Solvent type and drying methods have an effect on the bond strength of total-etch adhesives to dentin. Acetone-based adhesives used with blot-drying techniques showed the best results.