Shear bond strength of calcium silicate‐based cements to composite resin using a universal adhesive in different application modes: an in vitro study

Abstract Background To assess the shear bond strength (SBS) of four calcium silicate‐based cements (CSCs) to composite resin using a universal adhesive in self‐etch (SE) and etch‐and‐rinse (ER) modes and to evaluate surface microstructure and chemical composition of CSCs after acid‐etching. Methods In total, 30 specimens of each cement, Biodentine (BD), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Angelus (MTA‐A), ProRoot MTA (MTA‐P) and MTA Repair HP (MTA‐HP), were prepared and assigned into 2 groups (n = 15) according to universal adhesive (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick) applied in SE and ER mode. After composite resin (Clearfil Majesty Esthetic) was applied, the SBS was measured. Scanning electron microscope‐energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) analysis was used to evaluate the changes in surface structure and elemental composition. Results MTA‐P demonstrated significantly higher SBS than all CSCs, except for MTA‐HP in the SE mode. The ER mode exhibited significantly higher SBS compared to the SE mode for MTA‐P and MTA‐A. Acid‐etching caused morphological differences and affected elemental distribution. Conclusions MTA‐P may be a more suitable pulp capping material due to its superior SBS compared to BD and MTA‐A. The application of a universal adhesive in ER mode may be suggested to increase the SBS of MTA‐P and MTA‐A to composite resin.