Assessment of Bond Strength Following Simultaneous Activation of Resin-modified Glass Ionomer and Self-etch Adhesive in Primary Molars: In Vitro Study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the bond strength following simultaneous activation of resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) base and self-etch adhesive in sandwich restoration compared to conventional sandwich restoration in primary molars. Materials and methods: Thirty non-carious primary molars were embedded in acrylic up to the cementoenamel junction. The coronal portion of the teeth were removed using a diamond disk to obtain flat dentin surfaces for standardization and allocated randomly to three different groups: group I—simultaneous activation of RMGI and self-etch adhesive (SAT); group II—simultaneous activation of RMGI and self-etch adhesive with enamel etching (SAT+EE); and group III—conventional sandwich technique (ST). All groups were then restored with bulk fill composite. The samples were stored in distilled water for 24 hours at room temperature and evaluated for shear bond strength under universal testing machine until failure. Results: The mean shear bond strength of group I was 1.40, group II was 3.10, and group III was 1.71. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test results revealed statistically significant difference between the groups (p < 0.0001). Tukey’s post-hoc analysis revealed a highly statistically significant difference between group I and group II (p < 0.0001). The difference between group II and group III was also significant (p < 0.001). Mean time taken was least for SAT group (70 seconds) followed by SAT+EE group (85 seconds) and the maximum time taken was for ST group (100 seconds). One-way ANOVA test suggested a statistically significant difference between the groups (p < 0.0001). Post-hoc analysis showed a statistically significant difference between group I and group II (p < 0.001) and group I and group III (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Simultaneous activation technique with selective EE resulted in a greater bond strength as compared to that of without etching or the conventional technique. Clinical significance: This technique may provide better retention and longevity of the restoration. It involves less number of steps and is a time-saving procedure which can be beneficial for pediatric patients.