Abstract
AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the bond strength of adhesively cemented lithium disilicate restorations to dentin by applying different pretreatments and cleaning methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five human posterior teeth were mounted in an acrylic mold, flattened to expose mid-coronal dentin, and divided into five groups based on different pretreatments and cleaning methods prior to adhesive cementation. After cementation, the teeth were sectioned to obtain 1 mm(2) specimens, yielding 15 specimens in each group that were subjected to aging and thermocycling process, followed by a microtensile bond test and failure mode assessment. RESULTS: The highest bond strength values were in the control group and in the group that was treated with fluoride and where the temporary cement was removed using pumice, whereas the lowest values were in groups that were cleaned by excavator irrespective of whether they were treated with fluoride or not. However, all groups showed mainly cohesive failure without any statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: To eliminate any possible negative impact of eugenol on adhesion to dentin, surface cleaning by rotational brush and pumice is recommended prior to cementing lithium disilicate restorations.