Conclusions In light of the currently available scientific evidence , dentin surface pretreatment with deproteinizing agents does not enhance the bonding of SE adhesives to dentin .
The HOCl deproteinizing agent exhibited minimal adverse effects on bonding to dentin in comparison with NaOCl solutions
Objectives The aim of this systematic review was to critically analyze previously published studies of the effects of dentin surface pretreatment with deproteinizing agents on the bonding of  self-etch ( SE ) adhesives to dentin .
Additionally , a meta- analysis was conducted to quantify the effects of the above-mentioned surface pretreatment methods on the bonding of SE adhesives to dentin .
The in vitro morphological effects of some current pre-treatments on dentin surface: a SEM evaluation.
This in vitro study morphologically evaluated the effect of some current surface pre-treatments on dentin , using scanning electron microscopy , and related these morphological alterations to clinical implication s. The labial surfaces of 30 bovine lower incisors were ground to obtain a flat dentin surface and were finished with 600-grit SiC paper to produce st and ardized smear layers . The teeth were r and omly divided into six groups of five each . Group 1 was the control group , smear layer covered dentin ; Group 2 was etched with 37 % phosphoric acid ( PA ) for 15 seconds ; Group 3 , 37 % PA for 15 seconds , followed by 10 % NaOCl for 60 seconds ; Group 4 , 10 % NaOCl for 60 seconds ; Group 5 , a self-etching primer ( Clearfil SE Bond , CSEB-primer ) was applied for 20 seconds ; Group 6 , CSEB-primer for 20 seconds , followed by NaOCl for 60 seconds . The specimens were fixed , dehydrated , dried and analyzed by SEM . Treatment with 37 % PA removed the smear layer , funneled the tubules and result ed in a collagen-rich surface which appeared to have collapsed in its outermost part , producing a dense surface layer covered with silica particles . When 37 % PA treatment was followed by 10 % NaOCl , the collagen network was removed to reveal an eroded , rough mineral surface with numerous lateral branches and larger than normal tubular orifices . The action of 10 % NaOCl on the smear layer-covered dentin showed no significant alteration in surface morphology . The treatment with CSEB-primer dissolved the smear layer but only partially dissolved the smear plugs . The tubules did not present the typical funnel shape seen following PA treatment . These morphological aspects on dentin surface must influence bonding results . The dentin surface alterations produced by PA appeared to be a very severe demineralization pattern , quite irregular and less permeable to monomer infiltration , while the surface provided by the self-etching primer appeared to be a more uniform , less porous surface , and the association with simultaneous monomer infiltration may reduce the occurrence of mistakes in clinical bonding procedures
Conclusions In light of the currently available scientific evidence , dentin surface pretreatment with deproteinizing agents does not enhance the bonding of SE adhesives to dentin .
The HOCl deproteinizing agent exhibited minimal adverse effects on bonding to dentin in comparison with NaOCl solutions
Objectives The aim of this systematic review was to critically analyze previously published studies of the effects of dentin surface pretreatment with deproteinizing agents on the bonding of  self-etch ( SE ) adhesives to dentin .
Additionally , a meta- analysis was conducted to quantify the effects of the above-mentioned surface pretreatment methods on the bonding of SE adhesives to dentin .