Effect of 3% riboflavin on the adhesion of dental composite resin to etched dentin

Use of photo-oxidative cross-linking agents, like riboflavinhasbeen suggested as a method to modify the dentin substrate to improve the bonding of dental composite resin. The purpose of this study was to assess the adhesion of dental composite resin to etched dentin surface treated with 3% riboflavin. Twenty prepared samples were randomly divided into two groups. Group I was the control group, where the etched dentin surface was not treated with the cross-linking agent. Group II was the experimental group, where the etched dentin surface was subjected to photo-activated oxidation using 3% riboflavin and visible blue light. Two 2-mm thick micro hybrid composite cylinders were bonded to each sample. The specimens were then evaluated for the strength of bonding between composite and dentin surface. Shear bond strength was analyzed for each sample and the means were calculated. Statistical analysis was done using independent T-test. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05 value. The shear bond strength of dental composite resin to etched dentin was shown to be statistically significantly higher in the experimental group (Group II), than that of the control group (Group I). The pretreatment of the etched dentin surface with 3% riboflavin activated with blue light can improve the immediate bond strength of composite resin.