Influence of dentin substrates to simplify wet-bonding: a leakage-free and reliable tensile strength interface for long-lasting restorations.

The wet-bonding procedure can be simplified by eliminating the primer. An aqueous mixture of 1% citric acid and 1% ferric chloride (1-1) was hypothesized as providing an easier dehydratable thinner substrate to which 4-META/MMA-TBB resin can adhere reliably. The 1-1 was applied for 10 s and rinsed off with water for 10 s. Demineralized dentin under four conditions was prepared before bonding to PMMA rod using 4-META/MMA-TBB resin: air-dried 10 s (D-NP); air-dried 10 s, primed 60 s with 5% 4-META in acetone (D-P); blotted dry 10 s (W-NP); blotted dry 10 s, primed 60 s (W-P). The tensile strengths (MPa) using mini-dumbbell specimens were 4.0 ± 2.4 for D-NP, 10.6 ± 5.4 for D-P, 38.3 ± 4.4 for W-NP, and 42.9 ± 3.3 for W-P. There was no significant difference between W-NP and W-P with cohesive failure in the dentin and the cured resin. In the wet groups, the hybridized dentin was stable against both HCl and NaOCl challenges. TEM examination and a leakage tests confirmed a perfect seal with a leakage-free interface of W-NP. These results suggest that this primer-less wet-bonding is promising method to protect the underlying intact dentin and pulp, thus providing long-lasting dental treatment.