Effects of cavity disinfectants on bond strength of an etch-and-rinse adhesive to water- or ethanol-saturated sound and caries-affected dentin

Objective: To evaluate the effect of cavity disinfectants on the immediate microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of an etch-and-rinse adhesive to water- and ethanol-saturated sound and caries-affected dentin (CAD). Material and Methods: Thirty-six human molars were sectioned to expose 1/3 of the mid-coronal dentin surface. Sound (n = 18) and CAD (n = 18) specimens were divided into six groups each (n = 3): one positive control (sound), one negative control (CAD), and five experimental groups each. In the control group, dentin surfaces were bonded using an etch-and-rinse adhesive with a traditional water-wet bonding technique. In the experimental groups, ozone was applied before etching and chlorhexidine after etching. In the ethanol-wet bonding groups, acid-etched dentin surfaces were treated with ethanol. Following adhesive application and composite buildups, bonded specimens were sectioned to form sticks. Failure modes were analyzed using a stereomicroscope. Results: The water-wet bonded sound control group yielded the highest μTBS among all groups (p < 0.001). The lowest μTBS values were observed in the ozone groups (p < 0.05). The ethanol-wet bonded CAD group exhibited a higher μTBS than the water-wet bonded negative controls. Although compared to the positive control, chlorhexidine decreased the μTBS (p < 0.05), an increase with no significant difference was observed in the negative control (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The μTBS values of CAD were lower than those of sound dentin. Ethanol-wet bonding improved the μTBS of CAD. Ozone application reduced the μTBS in both sound and CAD; chlorhexidine improved the immediate μTBS after etching in CAD.