The purpose of this study was to compare the microshear bond strength of a self-etching primer adhesive to dentin prepared with different diamond points, carbide burs and SiC papers, and also to determine which SiC paper yield similar strength to that of dentinal surface prepared with points or burs.

Fifty-six human molar were sectioned to expose the occlusal dentinal surfaces of crowns and slabs of 1.2 mm thick were made. Dentinal surfaces were removed with three diamond points, two carbide burs, and three SiC papers. They were divided into one of eight equal groups (n = 7); Group 1: standard diamond point(TF-12), Group 2: fine diamond point (TF-12F), Group 3: extrafine diamond point (TF-12EF), Group 4: plain-cut carbide bur (no. 245), Group 5: cross-cut carbide bur (no. 557), Group 6 : P 120-grade SiC paper, Group 7: P 220-grade SiC paper, Group 8: P 800-grade SiC paper.

Clearfil SE Bond was applied on dentinal surface and Clearfil AP-X was placed on dentinal surface using Tygon tubes. After the bonded specimens were subjected to uSBS testing, the mean uSBS (n = 20 for each group) was statistically compared using one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test.

In conclusion, the use of extrafine diamond point is recommended for improved bonding of Clearfil SE Bond to dentin. Also the use of P 220-grade SiC paper in vitro will be yield the results closer to dentinal surface prepared with fine diamond point or carbide burs in vivo.