Condicionamento ácido de restaurações adesivas na terceira idade: uma revisão integrativa.

Abstract

Aging is a natural process accompanied by physiological changes that directly impact oral health, particularly dentin, making adhesive restorative procedures more challenging in elderly patients. With advancing age, dentin undergoes increased mineralization, reduced permeability, and obliteration of dentinal tubules—typical features of sclerotic dentin—which hinder acid etching and the formation of a stable adhesive interface. This study aimed to review the scientific literature regarding the influence of dentin aging on acid conditioning and adhesion of restorative materials in older adults, as well as to identify techniques that may improve adhesion to this substrate. This narrative literature review was conducted using national and international databases, employing descriptors related to adhesion in sclerotic dentin and adhesive techniques. The analyzed studies indicate that aged dentin is less susceptible to acid demineralization, resulting in thinner and less homogeneous hybrid layers. Strategies such as increasing acid etching time, removing the hypermineralized surface layer, using chelating agents such as EDTA and phytic acid, and applying self-etch and universal adhesive systems containing functional monomers like 10-MDP have shown promising results in improving bond strength. It is concluded that adapting adhesive protocols is essential for achieving clinical success in restorations involving aged dentin, thereby contributing to the maintenance of function, aesthetics, and quality of life in elderly patients.