Dentin treatment with an oxalate solution and glass ionomer bond strength.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of dentin surface treatment on shear bond strengths of two visible light-cured glass ionomer restorative materials to dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cylinders of Fuji II LC and VariGlass VLC were bonded to dentin surfaces that were (1) treated as directed by the manufacturer, (2) treated with a monohydrogen-monopotassium oxalate solution (Protect Dentin Desensitizer), or (3) treated with the monohydrogen-monopotassium oxalate solution followed by treatment per the manufacturer. Specimens were thermocycled and tested in shear at 7 days. Data for each restorative material were subjected to a one-way ANOVA and the Scheffé F-test (P < 0.05). After shear bond testing the specimens were examined using a stereomicroscope at x8 to determine the mode of failure (adhesive, cohesive or mixed). Dentin specimens were also surface treated as described above, sputter-coated, and examined using a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: In every instance, the oxalate solution significantly reduced the shear bond strength of both materials.