The Effects of Different Desensitizing Agents on the Shear Bond Strength of Adhesive Resin Cement to Dentin

Statement of the Problem: The choice of desensitizing agent can affect the bond strength of adhesive resin cement to dentin. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different dentin desensitizing agents on the bond strength of adhesive resin cement to dentin. Materials and Methods: Sixty specimen teeth were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10). Five groups of teeth were treated with a desensitizing agent containing sodium and calcium fluoride in cellulose alone, hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), benzalkonium chloride and sodium fluoride, HEMA and glutaraldehyde, an ormocer-based or a resin-based dentin desensitizer. The remaining 10 specimens served as controls. Adhesive resin cement was applied to the dentin surface. The shear bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine at a 0.5 mm/minute crosshead speed. The data were analyzed statistically with one-way analysis of variance and a Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test (a = 0.05). In addition, dentin surfaces were examined by a scanning electron microscope. Results: The lowest bond strength was in the group treated with desensitizing agent containing sodium and calcium fluoride and the highest bond strength was from the group treated with desensitizing agent containing HEMA and sodium fluoride. Conclusions: Desensitizing agents containing sodium and calcium fluoride reduced the bond strength of adhesive resin cement.