Influence of concentration and application time of maleic acid on dentin permeability.

Objectives: Since dentin permeability ultimately affects bond strength, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of different concentrations of maleic acid, and different exposure times on dentin permeability.

Methods: One hundred and thirty freshly extracted human non-carious third molars were used. Hydraulic conductance was determined after various treatments. The teeth were divided into five groups. In the first group, the smear layer was untreated. In three other groups, 0.10, 0.25, or 0.5 M aqueous solution of maleic acid was applied on dentin slices for 15, 30, or 60 s. In the last group, the Scotchbond Multi-Purpose dental adhesive system (3M Dental Products) conditioner was applied for 15, 30, or 60 s.

Results: After a 60 s exposure time, the Scotchbond Multi-Purpose dentin conditioner or the 0.1 M solution of maleic acid was as effective at increasing dentin permeability as the 0.25 M and 0.5 M maleic acid solutions. The maximum dentin permeability was reached after 15 s with 0.25 M and 0.5 M solutions of maleic acid, after 30 s with Scotchbond Multi-Purpose and after 60 s with the 0.1 M solution of maleic acid. During the first 30 s, the 0.1 M solution of malic acid did not increase dentin permeability and did not completely remove the smear layer; a SEM examination of the dentin slices corroborated the functional results.

Significance: The manufacturer's recommendation of 15 s of etching using Scotchbond Multi-Purpose conditioning gel produced a moderate amount of etching which increases dentin permeability to about one-half its maximum value.