Raman imaging of dental adhesive diffusion

The clinical success of dental composites depends critically upon the adhesive bond that secures it to the tooth. Previous efforts to characterize the adhesive/dentin interface have generally required sample preparation that alters or damages the interface. Using micro-Raman spectroscopy, we have collected chemical and morphologic information on the dentin/adhesive interface with minimal sample preparation, Results from this technique have provided direct evidence of adhesive penetration and demineralization depth for two adhesive systems.