Replica patterns on composite restorations performed in vitro with different acid-etch procedures and dentin adhesives

Abstract — 160 experimental Class V restorations using two chemically cured composite resins were inserted in extracted human teeth wjth conventional and modified acid-etch restorative procedures. The modifications included cavity treatment with non-composite resin, ethanol, or four different dentin adhesives. Following deemineralization of the teeth the fillings were examined in the SEM cuncerning their replica patterns 01 the etched cavity walls. In vitro conditions favored resin penetration into pretreated cnarnel and dentin; but resulted in minor variations between diltrerent acid-etch procedures compared with those previously seen on resin restorations plawd in viva in teeth with vital pulps.