Effect of Silver Diamine Fluoride on Micro-Tensile Bond Strength of Composite to Dentin on Primary and Permanent Teeth

Aim of the Study: The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of silver diamine fluoride on micro-tensile bond strength of composite to dentin and on the bonding mechanism of dentin surface on primary and permanent teeth. Material and methods: This study included two groups: group 1 included twenty-four primary molars and group 2 included twenty-four premolars. Each group was further subdivided equally into sub-group A and sub-group B. Sub-groups A of each group were treated with a self-etch bonding system and 4-mm thick buildups of composite were placed with increments limited to 1 mm. Subgroups B of each group were treated with 38% SDF then treated with the same self-etch bonding system used in sub-group A and composite were placed. After storage in distilled water for 24 hours at 37℃, the restored specimens were sectioned occlusogingivally into serial slabs approximately 1.0 mm thick by a slow-speed water-cooled diamond saw. Each slab was sectioned into composite/tooth structure beams measuring approximately 1.0*1.0 mm in cross-section, the beams were affixed to the test block of a micro-tensile testing machine to record maximum tensile force before failure occurred. One slab from each sub-group was evaluated under a scanning electron microscope and microphotographs were obtained. Results: Results of the study showed non-significant reduction of micro-tensile bond strength in SDF-treated subgroups and showed significant reduction of micro-tensile bond strength in primary molars when compared to premolars. Microphotographs showed significant reduction in numbers and extend of resin tags into dentin surface in SDF-treated samples. Conclusions: 1) SDF has no effect on micro-tensile bond strength of composite to dentin. 2) Micro-tensile bond strength of composite to dentin of premolars is higher than primary molars. 3) SDF has a negative effect on resin tag formation. Key words: silver diamine fluoride, dental caries, micro-tensile bond strength, composite restoration