Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
acetone-based solvent. Infiltration of this priming solution in the
exposed collagen layer allows for subsequent infiltration of a
hydrophobic bonding resin, the polymerization of which will lead to
hybridization (Figure 10.4) [PAS 11].
Figure 10.3.
Etched human dentin showing the embedded collagen network
More recently, an alternative to acid etching with separate acidic
solution was introduced in the form of self-etching dental adhesive
systems (SES). They still, however, are capable of acid etching
through the use of acidic function bearing monomers allowing for
simultaneous demineralization and infiltration of dental substrates.
Moreover, besides their higher user-friendliness, they allow for the
conservation of a dentinal smear layer, a surface layer composed of
mineral, collagenic and bacterial residues produced during the
preparation of the dental cavity. Contrary to the orthophosphoric acid
solution that is able to totally dissolve this layer, the less acidic SES
only dissolves it partially and infiltrates it. As a result, dentinal
permeability is lessened, leading to less frequent postoperative
