Lemon Extract as an Alternative Etching Materials on Composite Resin Restoration Against Shear Strength

Abstract

Background: Composite restoration is an adhesive (mechanical interlocking) restoration, which is from
resin tags on micro porosity on the etched surface of the enamel. Etching is to clean the smear layer and
forming porous on the enamel surface as to provide mechanical retention in the restoration. The acidic
etching material that is often used is phosphoric acid with a concentration of 37%, but 37% phosphoric acid
can cause inflammatory cell infiltration. Lemon contains citric acid, a weak acid that has the potential to be
an alternative to acid etching.
Purpose: To find out the effect of lemon extract as an alternative etching material on the shear strength of
composite resin.
Method: 14 samples of bovine teeth incisors were divided into two groups. Each group consisted of 7
samples, then cavity preparation. Group 1 with 37% phosphoric acid etching, group 2 with lemon extract.
The samples were bonded, filled with composite resin and carried out shear strength tests.
Results: There was no significant difference in shear strength from the composite resin group with 37%
phosphoric acid etching and composite resin group with lemon extract.
Conclusion: Lemon extract can be used as an alternative material for acid etching in composite resin.