Effect of salivary contamination on micro-tensile bond strength of self-etch adhesives systems after bonding procedure

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of saliva contamination on the micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) of two self-etching (SE) adhesive systems (Clearfil SE Bond, Clearfil S3 Bond). Materials and Methods: Flat occlusal dentin surfaces were created on 12 extracted human third molar teeth. The two bonding systems and resin composite (Spectrum® TPH® 3) were bonded to the dentin under six surface conditions: Group 1: Tooth samples were randomly divided into three equal subgroups. Clearfil SE 1: This was a control group in which dentin was not contaminated with the saliva (primer/bonding/composite). Clearfil SE 2: Contaminated once (primer/bonding (cured)/saliva/rinsing/drying/primer/bonding/composite). Clearfil SE 3: The samples were contaminated 2 times (primer/bonding (cured)/saliva/rinsing/drying/primer/bonding (cured)/saliva/rinsing/drying/primer/bonding/composite). Group 2: The procedures for Group 2 were similar to Group 1 but did not contain a primer stage. Tooth samples were randomly divided into three equal subgroups (Clearfil S3 1, 2, and 3). After 24 h, the teeth were prepared for microtensile bond testing and tensile bond strength was measured (1 mm/min). The data were calculated as megapascal (MPa) and analyzed using the one-way ANOVA and Tukey′s post-hoc test (P < 0.05). Results: The μTBS of the Clearfil S3 3 subgroup was statistically higher than that of the Clearfil S3 2 subgroup and Clearfil S3 1 subgroup. There were no significant statistical differences in the μTBSs between the Clearfil S3 2 subgroup and the control subgroup. There were no statistical differences in μTBSs among the Clearfil SE subgroups. Conclusion: μTBS is not affected adversely from one or two saliva contamination after the bonding procedure.