This study investigated that the effect of rewetting agent on dentinal microtensile bond strength (µTBS). Human molars were sectioned to expose the superficial dentin surfaces.

Samples were divided into two groups according to type of adhesives-Single Bond (S) and One-Step (O)], and again subdivided into five groups by different dentin surface treatment-dry for 15s (D), blot dry (BD) or dry for 15s, and rewet with different rewetting agents [distilled water (DW), Gluma Desensitizer (GD) and Aqua-Prep (AP)] for 30s. After application of adhesive, composite resin was built up on the bonding surface. Each tooth was sectioned to obtain stick with 1 mm² cross sectional area and the µTBS was determined by EZ test.

In the S group, the mean µTBS of GD, AP and BD group was significantly higher than that of DW and D group (p < 0.05). In the O group, the mean µTBS of AP, GD, BD and DW group was significantly higher than that of D group (p < 0.05).

The data suggested that Gluma Desensitizer and Aqua-Prep could be successfully used as rewetting agents, and Distilled water could be acceptable in aceton based adhesive system only.