Comparison of the micro-tensile bond strengths of four different universal adhesives to caries-affected dentin after ER:YAG laser irradiation.

The micro-tensile bond strengths (micro-TBSs) of four universal adhesive systems, applied in two different bonding techniques, to carries-affected dentin after Er:YAG laser irradiation were investigated. Twenty-four extracted human molars were divided into four groups, according to the adhesive systems used. Each group was subdivided into two subgroups, depending on the bonding method used: the etch-and-rinse procedure or self-etch procedure. The carious lesions were irradiated using an Er:YAG laser. Resin composites were used to restore the adhesive-treated dentin surfaces. After 2,500 thermal cycles, the vertical composite resin-dentin sticks obtained were subjected to micro-TBS tests. One tooth in each group was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). There were statistically significant differences (p<0.001) in micro-TBS values between universal adhesives. The results of this study suggested that universal adhesives applied both with self and total etch technique can be used for adhesive restorations to cariesaffected dentin after Er:YAG laser irradiation. If lasers are preferred as a caries removal method, choosing a dentin bonding agent containing MDP may be recommended in clinical practice due to the property of increasing the bonding strength.