The effect of smear layer removal on marginal contraction gaps.

The presence of the smear layer prevents direct contact between dentine and a dentine adhesive. The use of agents to remove the smear layer theoretically should improve the bonding of composite resins to dentine. This study examined the effect of smear layer removal on the effectiveness of a dentine bonding agent in reducing marginal contraction gaps. The agent used for smear layer removal in this study was ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA). Eighty cavities measuring 2 mm in diameter and 1.5 mm in depth were prepared in dentine and randomly assigned to two equal groups. The control group was restored with Prisma Universal Bond 2 Adhesive and Prisma Fil Resin. The experimental group was similarly restored after pretreatment of dentine with 0.5% EDTA for 60 s. All specimens were thermocycled and the marginal contraction gaps were assessed using a Nikon Measurescope. The mean contraction gap was expressed as a percentage of the cavity diameter. Results showed that the experimental group registered smaller contraction gaps (mean: 0.021%) than the control group (mean: 0.027%). No penetration of material into dentine was observed. Pretreatment with EDTA did not significantly improve the effectiveness of the dentine bonding agent used in terms of reduction of marginal contraction gaps.