Sterilization of human teeth: its effect on permeability and bond strength.

Extracted human teeth were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 teeth were untreated and served as controls. Group 2 teeth were sterilized in a steam autoclave. Group 3 teeth were sterilized by exposure to ethylene oxide gas. Crown segments were then prepared from these teeth by resection of the roots at the CEJ and the occlusal enamel to expose a flat occlusal plane of dentin. The permeability of the dentin was determined to be similar in all three groups. The shear bond strength of Prisma Universal Bond 3 and C&B Metabond was also similar in all groups indicating that sterilization of teeth does not alter dentin permeability or bond strength.