Effect of non-thermal argon plasma on the shear strength of adhesive systems

Abstract

This study evaluated the influence of non-thermal argon plasma applied to dentin on the shear strength of two adhesive systems. Ninety tooth fragments were embedded in epoxy resin and distributed into experimental groups (n=15): G1 and G4 - adhesive systems applied according to the manufacturers’ instructions; G2 and G5 - dentin treated with nonthermal argon plasma for 30 seconds before hybridization; G3 and G6 - dentin treated with non-thermal argon plasma for 30 seconds after hybridization. Cylinders were made with composite resin in the adhesive area, and the specimens were submitted to the shear strength test. Higher values were observed when applying the plasma treatment after hybridization (G1: 26.51 MPa, G2: 29.22 MPa, G3: 30.27 MPa, G4: 22.66 MPa, G5: 28.33 MPa, G6: 29.32 MPa). The treatment with non-thermal argon plasma significantly increased the shear strength values regardless of the application time.