Raman mapping of the dentin/adhesive interface

The degree of adhesive penetration into dentin has been studied through micro-Raman spectroscopic examination of the dentin/adhesive interface. In contrast to previous studies, for the specimen examined in this work the adhesive penetrates less than 2 mu m into the acid-etched and, thus, decalcified dentin. There is strong spectroscopic evidence that, upon acid etching of the dentin surface, which is typically performed immediately before the adhesive is applied, the collagen matrix collapses upon itself.