Behavior of failed bonded interfaces under in vitro cariogenic challenge

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This in vitro study aimed to compare dentin wall caries development at different composite-dentin interfaces. METHODS: Dentin samples (10.4mm(2)) were restored with composite resin using two adhesive systems (etch-and-rinse and self-etch techniques). Different composite-dentin interfaces with gaps were produced: (a) failed bonded, which were fractured at interface after being submitted to aging protocols (no aging, mechanical loading or water storage); (b) non-bonded interfaces, both without any adhesive material or with adhesive material applied only on the dentin. Adhesively fractured and non-bonded samples were subjected to a lactic acid gel (pH=5) caries model with a continuous opening/closing movement of the interfacial gap for 10 days. Transverse wavelength-independent microradiographs were taken, and lesion depth and mineral loss were measured. Data were analyzed with linear mixed-effects regression models. RESULTS: Caries development differed among the composite-dentin interfaces (p<0.001). The non-bonded interface with adhesive material on the dentin showed less lesion depth than the failed bonded groups, while the non-bonded interface without adhesive on dentin showed the deepest wall lesions. Difference between the adhesive systems was observed only in the non-bonded groups (p=0.003), with the self-etch adhesive applied on the dentin showing more severe lesions. Samples broken after mechanical loading aging showed deeper lesions than those broken after water storage (p<0.001). SIGNIFICANCE: Composite-dentin interfaces failed after aging presented different demineralization from interfaces that were never bonded, indicating that the restorative treatment changes the tissue in a way relevant to secondary caries development.