Bond strength and clinical evaluation of a new dentinal bonding agent to amalgam and resin composite.

Amalgambond Plus with HPA (high-performance additive) was evaluated for its ability to bond a resin composite and an amalgam to deep primary dentin. Tensile bond strengths for resin and amalgam were 6.40 +/- 2.17 MPa and 2.95 +/- 0.92 MPa, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups. The modes of failure of the specimens were 100% adhesive for amalgam and 76% adhesive-cohesive and 24% adhesive for resin composite. The clinical performance of amalgam and resin composite mesio-occlusodistal restorations bonded with Amalgambond Plus was also evaluated over 15 months. Periapical radiographs were taken to support the clinical examination. The following parameters were assessed: marginal adaptation, secondary caries, postoperative hypersensitivity, and retention. Both types of restoration exhibited excellent marginal adaptation and retention and no secondary caries or hypersensitivity.