The effects of common errors on sealing ability of total-etch adhesives

Objectives This study evaluated the effect of errors commonly made in using total-etch adhesives, on the resulting bond strength, fluid movement and nanoleakage of resin dentin bonds. Methods Two total-etch adhesives were used for bonding to dentin according to the manufacturersʹ recommendations, with meticulous solvent evaporation (control), or with the introduction of common bonding errors—wet bonding without solvent evaporation (no evaporation), and dry bonding. Results The 24-hour bond strength of the control was significantly higher than the other groups (p <0.05). For all groups, the higher initial permeability declined significantly after 24 h. The fluid movement across bonded dentin was similar in the control and dry bonding for both adhesives, whereas significantly higher permeability (p<0.05) was recorded for the no evaporation groups even after 24 h. Extensive silver impregnation within hybrid layers was seen by TEM in the no evaporation and dry bonding specimens after 24 h. Dry bonding caused collapse of the collagen matrix and interfered with resin infiltration. In contrast, inadequate solvent evaporation and/or residual water during dentin bonding results in dilution or incomplete polymerization of the resin, leading to severe nanoleakage formation. Significance Increased permeability associated with incomplete solvent evaporation in total-etch adhesives may lead to poor bond strength.