ABSTRACT
Background: There are conflicting results concerning the ideal time for etching primary dentin and its effect on the bond strength of adhesive restorative materials. Aim: To assess in vitro, the effect of varied acid concentration and etch time on the morphological features and tensile bond strength of primary dentin. Materials and Methods: Forty healthy primary molars were prepared by exposing the dentin of the occlusal surface, creating a smear layer. A 3 mm × 3 mm test indow was demarcated, and specimens were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 10): Group 1A 10% phosphoric acid, 7 s; Group 1B 10% phosphoric acid, 15 s; Group 2A 37% phosphoric acid, 7 s and Group 2B 37% phosphoric acid, 15 s. Surface analysis was done using atomic force microscope and scanning electron microscope. For tensile bond strength evaluation, 24 specimens prepared as mentioned were mounted in acrylic blocks and allocated to four groups according to the prescribed etching protocol. Resin rods were bonded and tested in tension after 24 h (n = 6). Data were analyzed statistically using unpaired t-test. Results: Etching of primary dentin using 37% phosphoric acid for 7 s produced the highest tensile bond strength of 9.51 ± 2.19 MPa. Conclusion: Etching time of 7 s may improve the adhesion of resin restorative materials with primary dentin.