RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to enhance the bond strength between Biodentine™ (BD), a bioactive tricalcium silicate (C3S) based material, and resin composite through various surface treatments. METHODOLOGY: BD samples were immersed in either double distilled water or Hank's Balanced Salt Solution and analyzed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Shear bond strength (SBS) evaluations of BD were performed using Prime & Bond™ NT (PNT), Single Bond Universal (SBU), Xeno V (Xeno), and glass ionomer cement (GIC) following various etching durations (0 s/ 15 s/ 30 s/ 60 s with 37.5% phosphoric acid). Two primers, RelyX™ Ceramic Primer (RCP) and Monobond ™ Plus (MBP), were chosen to prime BD for SBS enhancement. Fractography and bonding interfaces were examined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS)/ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). RESULTS: XRD confirmed BD's main compositions as C3S, Ca(OH)2, CaCO3 and ZrO2 after 14 days crystal maturation. Etched BD did not improve SBS. GIC exhibited the lowest SBS (p < 0.05) among all adhesives, regardless of the etching mode (all < 1 MPa). The highest SBS (17.5 ± 3.6 MPa, p < 0.05) was achieved when BD primed with MBP followed by SBU application. FTIR and EDS showed γ-MPTS and10-MDP within the MBP primer interacted with C3S and ZrO2 of BD, achieving enhanced SBS. Most specimens exhibited mixed or cohesive failure modes. Significance BD's subpar mechanical properties and texture may contribute to its poor adhesion to resin composite. Pretreating BD with MBP primer, followed by SBU adhesive is recommended for improving bond strength.