Synergistic relationship between luting and priming agents and gold restorations plated with stannic oxide.

Bonding to dentin and enamel has increased restorative treatment options, provided the materials are used to optimum advantage. Restorative dentists must understand the indications and the proper mechanisms for using these materials. As with many techniques and procedures, it takes more time to describe than to accomplish. The tooth-conditioning and cementing steps are standard treatment procedures used daily in most dental offices. Tin-plating and preparing the metal surface are laboratory procedures and consume no chair time. The clinical advantages of bonding--such as resistance to microleakage and recurring decay, enhanced retention, preservation of tooth structure, and extended restoration prognosis--far outweigh the modest increase in placement time.