The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of blood contamination and decontamination procedures on the microtensile bond strength of a new self-etch adhesive before and after curing.

A total of 90 human extracted mandibular molars were stored in 0.5% thymol solution and distilled water. Midcoronal sections were obtained using a diamond disk and the dentin surface was ground with 320 grit SIC abrasive paper. Universal self-etch adhesive (3M ESPC) and Filtex Z-250 resin composite were used. The dentin specimens were randomly divided into nine groups: Control group, group I—blood contamination before curing, group II—blood contamination before curing followed by air drying, group III—blood contamination before curing followed by rinsing with water and air drying, group IV—blood contamination before curing followed by rinsing with water, air dry, and reapplication of bonding agent, group V—blood contamination after curing, group VI—blood contamination after curing followed by air dry, group VII—blood contamination after curing followed by rinsing with water and air drying, group VIII—blood contamination after curing followed by rinsing with water, air dry, and reapplication of bonding agent. The microtensile bond strength was measured by universal testing machine and the data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's post hoc test.

The contamination groups (I, V) showed the least bond strength followed by the decontamination groups (II, III, VI, VII). The reapplication groups (IV, VIII) restored the bond strength equal to control group.

A contamination-free area is required for adequate adhesion. It is important to rule out measures to prevent and manage contamination, so as to achieve durable seal between composite resin and tooth surface.

Shaikh A, Hegde V, Shanmugasundaram S. Effect of Blood Contamination and Decontamination Procedures on the Microtensile Bond Strength of a New Self-etch Adhesive: An in vitro Study. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2017;6(2):80-83.