Effect of Suction and/or Air Drying on Resin-Dentin Bond Strengths

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of air-drying, suction-drying, suction and air-drying, or no drying on microtensile bond strength of a universal adhesive system to dentin.
Methods: Flat dentin surfaces from 16 human molars were divided into four quarters, and randomized among the following groups: (air dry [control]-G1, suction dry-G2, suction+air dry-G3, and no drying-G4). The dentin surfaces were bonded with Scotch bond Universal following the manufacturer’s instructions for the control, and dried with the different protocols for the experimental groups. All bonded surfaces were light-cured for 20 s, restored with a composite build-up in increments, and stored in water at 37C for 24h. Data statistically analyzed by analysis of Variance, and where indicated, Fisher’s PLSD test to detect differences among groups.
Results: Bond strength significantly decreased when alternative drying techniques were used. Results are described in Table.
Conclusions: Drying techniques significantly affected bond strength of a universal adhesive. No drying resulted in premature failure of all specimens.