Effect of dentin contamination with two hemostatic agents on bond strength of resin-modified glass ionomer cement with different conditioning

This study evaluated the effect of two hemostatic agents on bond strength of resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) to root dentin after using different pretreatment solutions compared to resin composite with a 2-step self-etch adhesive. Dentin specimens were either uncontaminated or contaminated with a ferric sulphate or aluminum chloride astringent, RMGIC was applied after conditioning with; Cavity Conditioner, Self Conditioner or Clearfil SE Primer, while a resin composite was bonded using Clearfil SE Bond. Microtensile bond strength (mu TBS) values and failure modes were determined. Two-way ANOVA revealed that hemostatic agents did not significantly affect the RMGIC bond strength with any conditioning material (p>0.05). SE Primer pretreatment provided the highest mu TBS values among RMGIC groups. For the resin composite, ferric sulphate astringent significantly reduced mu TBS value (p <= 0.001). Scanning electron micrographs of representative dentin surfaces contaminated with the hemostatic agents showed effects on smear layer removal and dentinal tubule occlusion.