Which statement describes the outcome of resin infiltration into dentin during bonding?

• A. Elimination of all moisture
• B. Formation of a hybrid layer and resin tags
• C. Removal of smear layer
• D. Enamel etching

Answer: (B)

Resin infiltration into dentin during bonding creates an interfacial zone where resin monomers penetrate the demineralized collagen network and the dentinal tubules. This results in a hybrid layer—the resin-saturated layer that sits between dentin and the resin adhesive—and resin tags that extend into the tubules to provide micromechanical interlock. This combination is what enables durable bonding to dentin. The other ideas don’t describe this specific interfacial structure: complete removal of moisture isn’t achievable and isn’t the outcome of infiltration, the smear layer is removed earlier in the process but isn’t the final bonding product, and enamel etching pertains to enamel rather than the dentin interface.