Effects of dentin air abrasion with aluminum oxide and hydroxyapatite on adhesive bond strength.

Shear bond strengths to dentin were determined with six current-generation resin adhesive systems following air abrasion of the dentin surface with aluminum oxide and hydroxyapatite. In addition, scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the effects of air abrasive techniques and conditioners/primers on the dentin surfaces. Altering the dentin surface with air abrasion using aluminum oxide and hydroxyapatite did not enhance dentin bond strengths with current-generation adhesive systems. Air abrasion of dentin with aluminum oxide created more surface irregularity than hydroxyapatite. Dentin surfaces air abraded with aluminum oxide and the treated with conditioners that removed the smear layer appeared more irregular than flat ground dentin surfaces treated with the same conditioners.