Bond strength of a sealant to enamel after a cariogenic challenge using three bonding protocols: an in vitro study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro the tensile bond strength of a resin-based pit and fissure sealant to enamel after a cariogenic challenge using three bonding protocols. METHODS: The demineralized tooth specimens were assigned to three groups of equal size: Group 1 (37 percent phosphoric acid gel), Group 2 (total-etch adhesive system), and Group 3 (one-step self-etch adhesive system). After the surface treatment, a resin-based sealant was applied and cured. The specimens were thermocycled and tensile bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine by an investigator who was blinded to the group distribution. RESULTS: The mean tensile bond strength was highest with the total-etch adhesive system, which was statistically significant (P<.001). A post hoc test revealed a significant difference between Groups 1 and 2 (P<.001) and Groups 2 and 3 (P<.001), but none between Groups 1 and 3 (P=.44). CONCLUSION: The total-etch bonding system resulted in significantly higher tensile bond strength with incipient enamel caries.