Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity and 1-year dentin bond stability of solvated etch-and-rinse dental adhesives based on tetrahydrofuran (THF), acetone, or ethanol, containing water or not.
Materials and methods: Seven primers were prepared using the following solvents: THF, acetone, ethanol, water, THF/water, acetone/water, and ethanol/water. Bovine dentin was used, and specimens for microtensile bond strength (μTBS) test were prepared. Specimens were tested after storage in distilled water for 24 h or 1 year. Cytotoxicity of the solvents was evaluated in 3T3/NIH mouse fibroblasts using a colorimetric 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay after exposure for 24 h.
Results: No significant differences were detected among solvents after storage for 24 h, except for the water-based group, which showed the lowest μTBS values. After storage for 1 year, the THF-based adhesive system resulted in more stable bonds. Yet, THF showed an intermediate cytotoxicity when compared with the other solvents, being less toxic than phosphate monomer and similar to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate.
Conclusion: THF seems to be a suitable solvent for adhesive systems.
Clinical relevance: THF is a promising solvent that can be used to improve dentin bond stability.