Microtensile bond strengths of glass ionomer (polyalkenoate) cements to dentine using four conditioners.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to measure the microtensile bond strengths of three glass ionomer cements to dentine (Photac-Fil Quick; Fuji II LC; Fuji IX GP) using four different conditioners (Ketac Conditioner; Dentin Conditioner; Cavity Conditioner; and an experimental conditioner, K-930).
METHODS: Superficial occlusal dentine of extracted human third molars was exposed, finished with wet 600-grit silicon carbide paper, and each of the above glass ionomer cements bonded using the four conditioners according to the manufacturers' instructions. After 24h in tap water at 37 degrees C, the teeth were sectioned to obtain 3-4 bar-shaped specimens. Ten specimens were prepared for each group and shaped to an hour-glass form of (1.2+/-0.02)mm diameter. The specimens were mounted in a jig and stressed in tension at a crosshead speed of 1mm/min until failure. The mean bond strengths were calculated and compared using one-way ANOVA and LSD tests, and the fracture modes were examined by scanning electron microscopy.
RESULTS: Mean microtensile bond strengths for Photac-Fil Quick were not significantly different from Fuji II LC for each of the conditioners used. However, the bond strengths for Photac-Fil Quick were significantly greater than Fuji II LC when no conditioner was applied. Mean microtensile bond strengths of conditioned specimens of Fuji II LC were significantly greater than non-conditioned specimens. Mean microtensile bond strengths of non-conditioned specimens of Fuji IX GP were not significantly different from conditioned specimens. The fracture mode of all specimens demonstrated mostly cohesive failure within the cement. SIGNIFICANCE: The use of surface conditioners resulted in improvement in bond strength of Fuji II LC, while Photac-Fil Quick and Fuji IX GP showed no difference.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes