Abstract
AIM: The study aimed to comparatively evaluate the effect of eugenol exposure time on the micro-shear bond strength (μ-SBS) of etch-and-rinse and a self-etch adhesive to dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twelve teeth samples were prepared from bisectioning 56 freshly extracted human mandibular molars and were randomly divided into 14 subgroups of 8 samples each (n = 8). Three subgroups containing eugenol and a noneugenol-based restorative material were placed on the dentin surface and left for 24 h, 7 days, and 14 days, respectively, and were compared to a control. Two bonding systems were evaluated: one being etch-and-rinse and the other self-etch adhesive. The μ-SBS were calculated and expressed in MPa. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data were analyzed using mixed model analysis of variance. The level of statistical significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction in the μ-SBS values when the self-etch adhesive was used, after the removal of eugenol-containing cement placed for 24 h. However, the reduction in the μ-SBS values after 7 days or 14 days was not significant. CONCLUSION: Exposure to eugenol containing temporary cement for 24 h significantly reduces the μ-SBS of self-etching adhesives to dentin. However, exposure for 1 week or more has minimal effects.