Purpose: To evaluate the nanoleakage of one- and two-step self-etch adhesives bonded to artificial carious dentin.
Methods: Deep dentin of 24 human molars was exposed and divided into four groups. One group served as control while the others were demineralized in artificial demineralization solution for 10 minutes, 6 hours, and 24 hours. Roots were sectioned and the crowns were bonded with one- and two-step self-etch adhesives (Clearfil S3 and Clearfil SE Bond) then restored with flowable composite (Estelite Flow Quick). Specimens were exposed to intrapulpal pressure through a tube connected to a barrel filled with silver nitrate solution in total darkness for 24 hours and then sectioned into two mid-slabs that were photo-developed and prepared for nanoleakage evaluation using FE-SEM and EDX. Penetration of silver into the hybrid and adhesive layers was evaluated and compared between adhesives and dentin condition. Data were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test (alpha = .05).
Results: Increasing depths of demineralization were observed with increasing demineralization time. There were statistically significant differences for both adhesives (P < 0.05) and dentin demineralization (P< 0.05) in hybrid and adhesive layers. Normal dentin interfaces revealed no or slight nanoleakage regardless of adhesive. The bonded interface treated with one-step Clearfil S3 showed significant differences between normal and demineralized dentin. Also a trend towards increases in nanoleakage with the increasing of the demineralization time was demonstrated. Different patterns of nanoleakage were observed within adhesives.