Introduction
Bonding to dentin substrate still represents a challenge in clinical practice, as
dentin has a nonuniform permeability, which is moisture; moreover, it is a dynamic
structure. In restorative dentistry studies concerning bonding to normal dentin are
still prevalent. Even though efforts regarding caries-affected dentin (CAD) have been
seen recently, selective caries elimination has been extensively supported to conserve
the tooth substrate and prevent avoidable pulp tissue exposure. Thus, resin composite
is bonded to the cavity floor that commonly comprises of CAD, after the elimination
of infected dentin. It might assume that the structural and morphological alterations
within CAD may negatively impact the performance of dental materials applied to it.[1]
[2]
There is still a controversy about the performance of the universal adhesive systems
(“multimode” or “multipurpose” adhesives),[3] which could be applied with different adhesion protocols (self-etch or etch-and-rinse)
according to the clinical situation on the bond strength to CAD. Thus, the current
study was conducted to assess the effect of bonding to CAD on the shear bond strength
(SBS) of two universal adhesives applied in different adhesion protocols compared
with sound dentin.
The null hypotheses that could be accepted or rejected were that: (1) there was no
difference in resin–dentin SBS of CAD and sound dentin; (2) there was no difference
in resin–dentin SBS between the two tested universal adhesive systems; and (3) there
was no difference in resin–dentin SBS between the different adhesion protocols (either
in etch-and-rinse or self-etch).
Materials and Methods
Teeth Selection
Eighty freshly extracted sound human upper premolars were selected from patients aged
18 to 25 years. Teeth were cleaned from periodontal fibers and soft tissues under
running tap water using sharp hand scaler. Teeth were also examined for cracks, caries,
fracture, or any pathological abnormalities using magnifying lens (25×) and only teeth
free from any defect were selected. Teeth were then kept at 4°C soaked in distilled
water, for a maximum period of 3 months after extraction with a weekly change of the
distilled water.[4]
Grouping of Specimens
The 80 selected premolars were divided into two main equal groups (n = 40) according to the dentin substrate condition (A); either sound dentin (A1) or artificially CAD (A2). Each main group was divided into two equal subgroups (n = 20), according to the universal adhesive system utilized (B): Single Bond universal
adhesive system (B1) and Prime&Bond universal adhesive system (B2). Each subgroup was divided into two equal classes (n = 10) according to the adhesion protocol (C) utilized: either etch-and-rinse (C1) adhesion protocol or self-etch (C2) adhesion protocol.
Specimens Preparation
Roots of all teeth were cut 2 mm below cementoenamel junction by a double-sided diamond
disc mounted to low-speed handpiece. The contents of the pulp chamber were then removed
with a broach. Occlusal enamel was removed by wet grinding using a 240-grit silicon
carbide (SiC) abrasive paper mounted in a bench grinder machine to expose midcoronal
dentin. Checking the remaining dentin thickness was done using precise caliper. Only
specimens of remaining dentin thickness “2 mm” were used in the current study. Each
exposed dentin surface was finished using wet SiC 600-grit paper for 60 seconds in
a circular motion to create a standardized smear layer.[5]
Each dentin specimen was embedded in the acrylic resin up to the cementoenamel junction,
with the prepared occlusal surface facing outward. All specimens were immediately
immersed in distilled water after complete acrylic resin polymerization until being
used.
Development of Caries-Affected Dentin (Artificial Caries)
Half of the dentin specimens (n = 40) were exposed to cariogenic challenge by pH cycling to produce artificial caries
lesion. pH cycling procedure and demineralizing and remineralizing solutions preparation
were done according to Nicoloso et al.[6]
Application of the Tested Universal Adhesive Systems with Different Adhesion Protocols
on Both Sound and Caries-Affected Dentin Substrates
For standardization of the bonded area, all dentin specimens were covered with an
adhesive tab that provided a hole of 2 mm diameter, located at the center of dentin
surface. Both tested universal adhesives were applied either in etch-and-rinse or
self-etch adhesion protocols according to the assigned group. Materials name, manufacturer,
chemical composition, and details of application steps are presented in [Table 1].
Table 1
Materials name, compositions, manufacturer, and application protocols
Materials name
|
Chemical composition
|
Application protocols
|
Abbreviations: HEMA, hydroxyethymethacrylate; MDP, methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen
phosphate; PENTA, dipentaerythritol penta-acrylate phosphate.
|
Single Bond universal adhesive
[3M ESPE, Deutschland, GmbH, Germany;
Lot number: 5290463]
|
-MDP phosphate monomer, dimethacrylate resins, Vitrebond copolymer, HEMA, filler,
ethanol, water, initiators, silane pH = 2.7
|
Self-etch adhesion protocol: Single Bond universal adhesive was applied to the assigned
dentin area for bonding using a microbrush and rubbed for 20 seconds. The adhesive
layer was air-thinned using gentle oil-free compressed air for 5 seconds to evaporate
the solvent. The adhesive layer was light cured for 10 seconds according to the manufacturer’s
instruction using LED light curing unit at intensity 1,000 mW/cm2
Etch-and-rinse adhesion protocol: Specimens assigned for this group were first acid
etched with 37% phosphoric acid gel [Meta Biomed, Germany. Lot number: MET1906071]
for 15 seconds followed by rinsing thoroughly with water for 15 seconds. Specimens
were then blot dried. Single Bond universal adhesive was then applied to the assigned
dentin area for bonding as mentioned in the self-etch adhesion protocol
|
Prime&Bond universal adhesive
[Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Germany. Lot number 1811000038]
|
-Phosphoric acid modified acrylate resin, bi- and multifunctional acrylate, acidic
monomers (PENTA and MDP), isopropanol, water, initiator, stabilizer, crosslinking
(N-ally), pH > 2.5
|
Self-etch adhesion protocol: Prime&Bond universal adhesive was applied to the assigned
dentin area for bonding and agitated for 20 seconds. The adhesive layer was air-thinned
using gentle oil-free compressed air for 5 seconds to evaporate the solvent. The adhesive
layer was light cured for 10 seconds according to the manufacturer’s instruction using
LED light curing unit at intensity 1,000 mW/cm2
Etch-and-rinse adhesion protocol: Specimens assigned for this group were acid etched
with 37% phosphoric acid gel for 15 seconds followed by rinsing thoroughly with water
for 15 seconds. Specimens were then plot dried to remove excess water using cotton
pellets. Then Prime&Bond universal adhesive was applied to the assigned dentin area
for bonding as mentioned in the self-etch adhesion protocol
|
Application of the Nanohybrid Resin Composite
After bonding procedure has been completed, Filtek Z250 nanohybrid universal resin
composite (3M ESPE, United States) was packed in a cylindrical transparent plastic
tube of inner dimensions—2 mm diameter and 3 mm height—which act as a mold during
resin composite application.[7] Resin composite was packed in two increments of 1.5 mm each, then each increment
was light cured for 10 seconds according to the manufacturer’s instructions using
LED light curing unit of 1,000 mW/cm. After removing the plastic tubes, all resin
composite cylinders were checked using magnifying glass lens (25×) to detect any defects.
If any imperfection was found in any resin composite cylinder, the specimen was discarded.
Each restored specimen was stored in 15 mL artificial saliva (pH = 7) in an incubator
at 37°C for 48 hours until testing. Artificial saliva composition was prepared according
to Pashley et al.[8]
Shear Bond Strength Test
SBS test was performed for all bonded specimens using a universal testing machine
(model LRX-plus; Lloyd Instruments Ltd; Fareham, United Kingdom). A chisel-shaped
shearing blade with a 0.5 mm wide sharp edge was aligned parallel to the flat dentin
surface of the bonded specimen. The load cell control system was then adjusted to
apply load force of 5N by chisel on dentin–restoration interface at a crosshead speed
of 0.5 mm/min until failure occurs. The control system and its associated software
recorded the maximum force needed to debond each specimen in Newton (N), which automatically
calculated it to express the SBS records on output device in MPa.[9]
Mode of Failure Analysis
The fractured test specimens from the SBS testing were assessed by stereomicroscope
(50×) (Nikon SMZ-2, Japan) and the mode of failure (adhesive, cohesive, or mixed)
was determined. The failure mode was categorized according to the area of resin remained
on the dentin surface as follow[10]:
Adhesive failure: resin composite remained at the interfacial bond area not exceed
25%.
Cohesive failure: resin composite remained at the interfacial bond area equal to or
greater than 75%.
Mixed adhesive/cohesive failure: resin composite remained at the interfacial bond
area was 25 to 75%.
Statistical Analysis
The SBS mean and standard deviation (SD) values were calculated for each group. Data
were explored for normality using Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk tests, data
showed parametric (normal) distribution. Independent sample t-test was used to compare between two groups in nonrelated specimens. Three-way analysis
of variance (ANOVA) tests were used to test the interactions between different variables.
The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. Statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS Statistics Version 20 for
Windows.
Results
Results of Shear Bond Strength Measurements
Results of three-way ANOVA for the effect of dentin substrate, universal adhesive,
and adhesion protocol as independent variables and their interaction on the SBS (MPa)
are presented in [Table 2]. Mean and SD of the SBS values for different dentin substrates (A) bonded with Single
Bond universal adhesive (B1) and Prime&Bond universal with different adhesion protocols (C) are shown in [Table 3]. Mean and SD of the SBS values of groups bonded with different universal adhesive
systems to sound dentin and CAD using etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesion protocols
are shown in [Table 4]. On the other hand, mean and SD of SBS values of the different adhesion protocols
applied to sound dentin and CAD when bonded with different universal adhesives are
shown in [Table 5].
Table 2
Results of three-way ANOVA for the effect of different variables on shear bond strength
Source
|
Type III sum of squares
|
df
|
Mean square
|
F
|
Significance
|
Abbreviations: ANOVA, analysis of variance; df, degrees of freedom (n – 1).
aSignificant at p ≤ 0.05.
|
Corrected model
|
207.107
|
7
|
29.587
|
5.852
|
0.000a
|
Intercept
|
5,001.446
|
1
|
5,001.446
|
989.199
|
0.000a
|
Dentin substrate
|
92.474
|
1
|
92.474
|
18.290
|
0.000a
|
Multimode adhesive
|
16.284
|
1
|
16.284
|
3.221
|
0.077
|
Adhesion protocols
|
29.339
|
1
|
29.339
|
5.803
|
0.019a
|
Dentin substrate * Multimode adhesive
|
31.487
|
1
|
31.487
|
6.228
|
0.015a
|
Dentin substrate * Adhesion protocols
|
26.119
|
1
|
26.119
|
5.166
|
0.026a
|
Multimode adhesive * Adhesion protocols
|
11.365
|
1
|
11.365
|
2.248
|
0.138
|
Dentin substrate * Multimode adhesive * Adhesion protocols
|
0.040
|
1
|
0.040
|
0.008
|
0.929
|
Error
|
364.036
|
72
|
5.056
|
|
|
Total
|
5,572.589
|
80
|
|
|
|
Corrected total
|
571.143
|
79
|
|
|
|
Table 3
The mean and standard deviation (SD) values of shear bond strength of different dentin
substrate groups
Variables
|
Shear bond strength
|
Single Bond universal (B1)
|
Prime & Bond universal (B2)
|
Etch-and-rinse protocol (C1)
|
Self-etch protocol (C2)
|
Etch-and-rinse protocol (C1)
|
Self-etch protocol (C2)
|
Mean
|
SD
|
Mean
|
SD
|
Mean
|
SD
|
Mean
|
SD
|
aSignificant (p < 0.05), nonsignificant (ns) (p > 0.05).
|
Sound dentin (A1)
|
11.59
|
2.48
|
8.53
|
1.96
|
8.73
|
1.77
|
7.08
|
2.41
|
Caries-affected dentin (A2)
|
7.09
|
2.32
|
6.22
|
2.56
|
6.64
|
2.61
|
7.37
|
1.64
|
p-Value
|
0.001a
|
0.036a
|
0.052 (ns)
|
0.755 (ns)
|
Table 4
The mean and standard deviation (SD) values of shear bond strength of different multimode
adhesive groups
Variables
|
Shear bond strength
|
Sound dentin (A1)
|
Caries-affected dentin (CAD) (A2)
|
Etch-and-rinse protocol (C1)
|
Self-etch protocol (C2)
|
Etch-and-rinse protocol (C1)
|
Self-etch protocol (C2)
|
Mean
|
SD
|
Mean
|
SD
|
Mean
|
SD
|
Mean
|
SD
|
aSignificant (p < 0.05), nonsignificant (ns) (p > 0.05).
|
Single Bond universal (B1)
|
11.59
|
2.48
|
8.53
|
1.96
|
7.09
|
2.32
|
6.22
|
2.56
|
Prime&Bond universal (B2)
|
8.73
|
1.77
|
7.08
|
2.41
|
6.64
|
2.61
|
7.37
|
1.64
|
p-Value
|
0.008a
|
0.158 (ns)
|
0.691 (ns)
|
0.247 (ns)
|
Table 5
The mean and standard deviation (SD) values of shear bond strength of different adhesion
protocols groups
Variables
|
Shear bond strength
|
Sound dentin (A1)
|
Caries-affected dentin (CAD) (A2)
|
Single Bond universal (B1)
|
Prime&Bond universal (B2)
|
Single Bond universal (B1)
|
Prime&Bond universal (B2)
|
Mean
|
SD
|
Mean
|
SD
|
Mean
|
SD
|
Mean
|
SD
|
aSignificant (p < 0.05), nonsignificant (ns) (p > 0.05).
|
Etch-and-rinse protocol (C1)
|
11.59
|
2.48
|
8.73
|
1.77
|
7.09
|
2.32
|
6.64
|
2.61
|
Self-etch protocol (C2)
|
8.53
|
1.96
|
7.08
|
2.41
|
6.22
|
2.56
|
7.37
|
1.64
|
p-Value
|
0.007a
|
0.099 (ns)
|
0.438 (ns)
|
0.464 (ns)
|
Results of Failure Mode Analysis
Percentage mode of failure of Single Bond universal adhesive systems (B1) and Prime&Bond universal (B2) applied with different adhesion protocols (C) bonded
to different dentin substrates (A) are presented in [Figs. 1 ]and [2], respectively.
Fig. 1 Percentage mode of failure of Single Bond universal adhesive systems ([A1B1C1]: Single Bond universal bonded to sound dentin with etch-and-rinse; [A1B1C2]: Single Bond universal bonded to sound dentin self-etch adhesion protocol; [A2B1C1]: Single Bond universal bonded to caries-affected dentin with etch-and-rinse adhesion
protocol; [A2B1C2]: Single Bond universal bonded to caries-affected dentin with self-etch adhesion
protocol).
Fig. 2 Percentage mode of failure of Prime&Bond universal adhesive systems ([A1B2C1]: Prime&Bond universal bonded to sound dentin with etch-and-rinse; [A1B2C2]: Prime&Bond universal bonded to sound dentin self-etch adhesion protocol; [A2B2C1]: Prime&Bond universal bonded to caries-affected dentin with etch-and-rinse adhesion
protocol; [A2B2C2]: Prime&Bond universal bonded to caries-affected dentin with self-etch adhesion protocol).
Discussion
As the bonded substrate had a great influence on the restoration success, both sound
and CAD were tested in this study. Generation of artificial CAD was selected for this
study rather than collection of natural CAD specimens. Despite of the some morphological
differences between natural and artificially created CAD (e.g., tubular occlusion
with whitlockite minerals and microhardness) the bond strengths do not seem to be
affected by the type of caries, allowing the use of laboratory models that overcome
the huge inconsistency of natural CAD.[11]
[12] Artificially created CAD method allowed standardization of the degree of dentin
demineralization across all tested specimens. In addition, the method selected for
development of CAD in this study was claimed to produce effective depth of demineralized
dentin to more than 100 μm.[11]
Regarding the results of the effect of the tooth substrate either, sound or CAD on
the SBS (MPa) values for the tested universal adhesive systems irrespective to other
variables of the study and results of SBS (MPa) values for the effect of different
dentin substrates bonded with Single Bond universal with different adhesion protocols
([Table 3]), showed that sound dentin had statistically significant higher SBS (MPa) values
than CAD. These findings were in agreement with previous studies.[6]
[7]
[13]
[14]
The possible explanation for the lower bond strength of CAD in comparison to sound
dentin were that CAD lost a part of its mineral composition from the intertubular
dentin during the demineralization process. The volume of the lost minerals from the
CAD matrix was replaced by water. This increase in the water content and the more
permeable condition were considered factors that might compromise the bonding quality.
In addition, other chemical and morphological alteration that occur in the demineralized
CAD, such as loss of its organic content, the collagen fibrils with lower collagen
cross-linkages, increased porosity of intertubular dentin, dissolution of apatite
crystals, and degradation of collagen fibrils, were other factors that might negatively
affect bonding to that substrate. Moreover, the matrix of the peritubular dentin in
CAD contain noncollagenous protein content (mucopolysaccharide or glycoprotein molecules)
which could interfere with the adhesion.[6]
[14]
[15] All the previously stated microstructural changes in CAD might negatively impact
the performance of the dental adhesives.
In addition, the lower mineral content of CAD allowed phosphoric acid or acidic monomers
to demineralize the matrix more deeply than normal dentin, resulting in even more
residual water in exposed collagen matrix. Therefore, the formed hybrid layer was
expected to be thicker and more porous compared with the hybrid layer formed on sound
dentin due to the demineralization process, which negatively influence the bond strength.[7]
On the other hand, results of Prime&Bond universal adhesive revealed a nonstatistically
significant SBS (MPa) values between bonding to sound and CAD ([Table 3]). This might be due to the unique chemical composition of Prime&Bond universal adhesive.
It contained a newly developed hydrolysis stable cross-linker (N-ally functions).
As stated by the manufacturer, this universal adhesive was designed to retain all
the benefits of a standard acryl resin adhesive, but also added water compatibility
within one single monomer. The result was a new liquid, bifunctional acryl cross-linker,
containing N-ally functions to achieve a high level of polymerization reactivity.
This adhesive achieved an optimized surface tension and a low contact angle on dental
substrates, thus avoiding phase separation when bonding to more water contained substrate
as in cases of the porous, water-filled CAD.
Regarding the results of the effect of the of different universal adhesives on mean
SBS (MPa), there was nonstatistically significant difference between Single Bond universal
adhesive and Prime&Bond universal adhesive. This might be due to the chemical composition
of both tested universal adhesives. Both universal adhesives were mild adhesives with
pH of 2.7 for Single Bond universal adhesive and pH > 2.5 for Prime&Bond universal
adhesive.
Moreover, both universal adhesives contained 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate
monomer (10-MDP), which is a phosphate monomer that gives the adhesive an acidic character,
enabling simultaneous demineralization and monomer infiltration. In addition, 10-MDP
established a chemical bond to dentin via its phosphate group, which bind ionically
to residual calcium attached to the collagen fibrils forming a stable and water-resistant
Ca-monomer salt created by the reaction of 10-MDP and the Ca+ ions of hydroxyapatite.[16]
[17]
The only exception was shown when the universal adhesive systems were applied to sound
dentin with etch-and-rinse adhesion protocol ([Table 4]) where Single Bond universal had higher statistically significant SBS mean value
compared with Prime&Bond universal.
Sound dentin is formed of nearly 50% inorganic apatite crystals, 30% collagen, and
20% water by volume. In the etch-and-rinse adhesion protocol, the surface and subsurface
minerals were solubilized, removed, and were substituted by rinse-water, which combined
with intrinsic water, surrounding the collagen fibrils.[18]
Single Bond universal superiority on the etched sound dentin substrate might be due
to its unique chemistry that optimizes the ratios of proprietary Vitrebond copolymer,
2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA), and ethanol/water solvent. The affinity of HEMA
in Single Bond universal seems to be enhanced when it is combined with water displacing
solvents like ethanol. This adhesive formula allowed a decrease in its thickness and
viscosity that eases wetting of the etched dentin surface and keeps the collagen fibrils
in an expanded form after the evaporation of solvents, enhancing monomers penetration
into wet and dry dentin substrates. This result in effective formation of a resin-demineralized
dentin hybrid layer, that result in a strong micromechanical interlocking between
resin and the superficially demineralized tooth substrate.[18]
[19]
Moreover, Single Bond universal contained polyalkenoic acid copolymer (Vitrebond copolymer).
This polyalkenoic acid copolymer according to the manufacturer provided satisfactory
bonding to wet and dry dentin. Moreover, it could form Ca–polyalkenoate complexes
at the superficial zone of the hybrid layer and within the superficial 3 µm of dentinal
tubules, which could stabilize the bonded interface by offering water stability and
a stress-relaxing outcome.[18]
[19]
The current results indicated that the capability of the universal adhesives in bonding
to dentin, considering the adhesion protocol was material-dependent. This denotes
that the composition of the materials tested, comprising type and the amount of acidic
monomers, hydrophobic and hydrophilic methacrylates, photoinitiators, solvents, and
other constitutions, might influence their bonding performance.[19]
[20]
A recent systematic review of in vitro studies conducted by Rosa et al[21] stated that enamel bond strength of universal adhesives was enhanced with prior
etching using phosphoric acid, but the same result was not obvious for dentin when
mild universal adhesives were utilized. Same results were observed in the current
study, since no differences in bond strength were detected between the bonding protocols
(etch-and-rinse or self-etch) when bonded to sound and CAD. The only exception was
Single Bond universal, that had a statistically higher resin–dentin bond strength
when used in the etch-and-rinse mode on sound dentin compared with the self-etch adhesion
protocol.
In previous studies, they found that the etching step improves the penetration of
the adhesive on sound dentin, resulting in longer resin tags and thicker hybrid layers.[17]
[19]
[20] In contrast, different results were observed in the literature[6]
[10]
[22] in which some authors found no differences in bond strength of Single Bond universal
when applied to sound dentin, regardless of the strategies used. This contradiction
in the results might be due to difference in methodology in which the adhesive system
was tested under different conditions.
Failure mode analysis was considered a significant parameter for understanding the
testing results when measuring the bond strength between two materials. It has been
reported that there was as direct positive correlation between the bond strength and
the mode of failure.[7]
[15] On the other hand, others found that there was no direct relationship between the
fracture mode and the SBS. In this study, three modes of failures were observed which
were adhesive, cohesive, or mixed. The adhesive and the mixed types of failure were
the more prominent types with both universal adhesive in the different groups, which
was considered to be a true indication for the bond effectiveness of these universal
adhesives to different dentin substrates. In contrast to the cohesive mode of failure
which was considered to be indicative of higher resin–dentin bond strength.[6]
[23]
Finally, in the present study the first null hypothesis that there was no difference
in resin–dentin SBS of CAD and sound dentin was partially rejected as there was statistically
significant difference between the bonded substrates using Single Bond universal.
Moreover, the second null hypothesis was also partially rejected, as there was no
difference in resin–dentin SBS between the two tested universal adhesive systems except
when they were bonded to sound dentin in the etch-and-rinse adhesion protocol.
While regarding the third hypothesis that there was no difference in resin–dentin
SBS between the different adhesion protocols (either in etch-and-rinse or self-etch),
it was totally accepted for Prime&Bond universal adhesive, while partially rejected
for Single Bond universal, as there was difference between the adhesion protocols
when bonded to sound dentin only.
Conclusion
The influence of CAD on the performance of the universal adhesives was material-dependent,
as it only jeopardized bonding of Single Bond universal adhesive. Both tested universal
adhesive systems had comparable performance on different dentin substrates, except
when they were bond to sound dentin with etch-and-rinse protocol, where Single Bond
universal adhesive performed better. The effect of different adhesion protocols on
the performance of the universal adhesives was material-dependent, as application
of Single Bond universal adhesive in an etch-and-rinse adhesion protocol improved
only bonding to sound dentin, while no added positive effect for the etching step
with Prime&Bond universal adhesive when bonded to both sound dentin and CAD.