Effect of ammoniacal silver nitrate staining on dentin bond strength

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of ammoniacal silver nitrate staining on the bond strengths of dentin bonding specimens. Methods: 30 extracted human molars with coronal carious lesions invading mid-dentin were ground down until the carious dentin no longer stained with caries detector. The flat surfaces were bonded with either Contax(CT)°¢Adper Prompt(AP) or Prime&Bond NT(NT). A crown was built up using composite. After storage in water (37¨¬C, 24 h), teeth were vertically serially sectioned into matchstick-shaped specimens through the bond interfaces to yield 1 mm2 test area. Specimens were immersed in water (water group) or ammoniacal silver nitrate (silver group) for 8 h, and then were tested in tension. Results: Bond strengths (MPa) (ND/CAD) of silver group: CT: 28.87±7.76/27.20±6.71, AP:22.93±5.59/20.25±3.51, NT:20.08±3.70/17.99±2.87, water group (MPa)(ND/CAD): CT: 27.63±7.31/26.36±8.62, AP:21.62±5.10/21.38±3.96, NT:20.79±3.11/19.02±3.72, No significant differences (P>0.05) in bond strengths were found between water and ammoniacal silver nitrate storage groups in three adhesives. Conclusions: Ammoniacal silver nitrate staining has no effect on the bond strength of dentin bonding specimens.