Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the role of an erosive beverage, Coca cola, on the microshear bond strength of a nano-fill resin modified glass-ionomer cement to dentin, after different conditioning protocols, no conditioning, GC conditioner and KN primer.
Materials and Methods: The occlusal enamel of forty two third molar teeth was removed, exposing the coronal dentin. Thirty prepared teeth were randomly divided into three main groups (n=10). Group 1, flat dentin surface was left unconditioned (control). Group 2, GC cavity conditioner was applied. Group 3, Ketac Nano Primer was applied. Three pieces were cut from a polyethylene micro-bore tygon tube, for each specimen. KN resin modified glass ionomer cement was applied. Each group was further distributed into two subgroups (n=5). Subgroup i, teeth were immersed in artificial saliva (control). Subgroup ii, teeth were subjected to Coca Cola pH cycles. Each specimen was stressed in shear using a load cell of 5 KN at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The remaining 12 teeth were divided according to the previously mentioned grouping system, and observed using SEM.
Results: The data collected for µSBS were subjected to two-way ANOVA test, followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Considering the dentin conditioning factor, with storage in artificial saliva; the control group revealed the least µSBS values, followed by the group conditioned with KNP and GC conditioning, respectively. Control group posses a significant decrease in the µSBS compared to either GC or KNP groups. With Coke pH cycling; the control group revealed the least µSBS values, followed by KNP and GC conditioning, respectively. All the tested groups are significantly different from each other Considering the erosive pH cycling factor, all the teeth revealed significant decrease in the µSBS values, when exposed to erosive Coke pH cycling. Most failure modes are adhesive, followed by mixed failures. The SEM examination showed a filler‑free zone in the conditioned groups, with the greatest thickness with KNP. Cylindrical shaped resin tags, were observed when dentin is conditioned with KNP, whereas budding configuration is formed with GC conditioner. Smear layer has been completely removed with GC conditioner. Dentin conditioning with KNP revealed partial removal of smear layer with partial obliteration of dentinal tubules, while smear layer remains unaffected in case of control group. In groups stored in AS, there is intimate adaptation between the RMGIC and dentin, whereas the groups subjected to Coke erosive cycles showed variable degrees of separation at the RMGIC/dentin interface.
Conclusions: Dentin conditioning before RMGIC application is an essential step to improve bonding ability to dentin. Since Coca cola beverage revealed a deteriorating effect on bonding of RMGICs, evaluation of different acidic foodstuffs, acidic drinks and mouthwashes on the bonding efficiency of different types of glass-ionomer cements is required.