Effects of dehydration on modulus of elasticity of demineralized human dentin

ABSTRACT

Dentin bars of approximately 0.7 X 0.7 X 5.0 mm were obtained from the crown of human third molars. The specimens had their ends covered with nail varnish and were subjected to demineralization in 0.5 M EDTA for 72 hours. The specimens were stressed in tension, griped by their mineralized ends. The load/displacement data was transformed to stress/strain data using the original cross-sectional area and the length of the demineralized area (gauge-length). A low strain (0-2%) and the maximum moduli were calculated for specimens tested in water (control), dehydrated in acetone and in HEMA and air-dried. All dehydration procedures caused significant stiffening of the collagen netword. Air-dried specimens were the most stiffer, followed by acetone-dehydrated and HEMA-dehydrated specimens. The stiffening effect of organic solvents on acid-etched dentin, may alter the permeability of the collagen network to adhesive resins