ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the influence of four different dentin drying methods (air drying for 10s, absorbent paper, endodontic suction cannula and air drying for 10s with subsequent re-wetting with distilled water), after etching with phosphoric acid gel 37%, on bond strength and microleakage of composite restorations. Material and Methods: Twenty sound bovine incisors were selected and sectioned transversely. The buccal surfaces were frayed until exposure of dentin, etched and washed with distilled water. Each specimen was subjected to one of the four different drying methods. A 3-step total-etch adhesive system (Adper Scotchbond™ Multi-Purpose) was used on 10 teeth and on the other 10, a 2-step total-etch adhesive system (Adper Single BondT™ 2) was used. Composite resin restorations in cylindrical shapes were made and, after thermocycling, the teeth were subjected to the microshear bond strength test. Cervical areas of the teeth were prepared and restored with the same techniques describe above. Cervical restorations were cut and subjected to microleakage analysis in the cervical margin. Data obtained were tabulated and statistically analyzed, using ANOVA, Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests, and the significance level was set at 5%. Results: The results showed no statistically significant differences among the groups tested. Conclusions: It was concluded that all drying methods tested represent feasible alternatives to clinical application for total etch dentin-bonding agents.