ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to compare the microhardness and the fluoride content of enamel and dentin around fluoride- or non fluoride-containing restorations. Forty extracted human teeth were used and prepared cervical cavities on proximal surface. Experimental teeth were divided into five groups. Group 1 : Prime & Bond NT and Z100, Group 2 : Prime & Bond NT and F2000, Group 3 : Scotchbond Multi-Purpose and Z100, Group 4 : Scothcbond Multi-purpose and F2000, Group 5 : Fuji II LC. The cavities were filled with dentin adhesives and restorative materials. After each tooth was bisected, one half was tested microhardness and the other half was analyzed the fluoride at the enamel and dentin by an EPMA-WDX device. The results were as follows: 1. There was no statistical difference among the microhardness of enamel surface in all group. 2. The microhardness at dentin of 100 microm point in Group 2 and 20 microm point in Group 4 was lower than that of normal dentin (p>0.05). 3. There was no statistical difference among the fluoride content of enamel surface in all group. 4. The fluoride content at the dentin of 30 microm point in Group 2 and 5 were higher than those at 100 microm and 200 microm point in Group 2 and normal dentin (p<0.05). 5. At the dentin of 30 microm point, Group 2 showed higher fluoride content than Group 1 and 3, and Group 5 showed higher fluoride content than other groups.