Effects of different surface treatment methods on the micro-shear bond strength of calcium silicate–based materials

The present in vitro study aimed to evaluate the influence of various surface treatments on the micro-shear bond strength (μSBS) of calcium silicate–based materials (CSMs) to resin composite. Two hundred and forty cylindrical acrylic molds were filled with Biodentine, NeoMTA Plus, NeoPUTTY MTA, TheraCal LC, and Well-Root PT. The specimens were divided into four groups: control with no surface treatment, acid-etching, tribochemical silica coating (TSC), sandblasting with aluminum oxide (AL). Resin composite was applied and photo-polymerized. The μSBS was measured and surface alterations were evaluated using a SEM. Data were examined using two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests at a significance level of 5%. The lowest bond strength values were detected in the controls. Moreover, the lowest μSBS was demonstrated in the untreated NeoMTA Plus group, whereas the aluminum oxide–treated TheraCal LC group exhibited the highest bond strength (p < 0.05). Cohesive failures were observed dominantly for Biodentine and TheraCal LC, adhesive failures in Well-Root PT, and mixed failures for NeoPUTTY MTA. Surface treatments increased the μSBS values of CSMs and affected the micromorphology of the sample surfaces. The study suggests that surface treatments would be advantageous on CSMs.