In vitro evaluation of dynamic fluid displacement in dentinal tubules activated on pin placement

The use of cemented, friction-lock, and self-threading pins for improving retention has been essential for treatment in restorative dentistry, with the self-threading pin considered to be the most retentive. Cavity varnish has been suggested to prevent microleakage around pins. This study investigated the insertion of a self-threading pin when the pinhole was filled with a liquid dye. The results showed that pinholes filled with dye before pin placement had measurable dye displacement. Pinholes without pins displayed no measurable dye displacement through the dentin; this was also true when the dye fluid was removed before the pin placement. However, the dye in pinholes was displaced toward the path of least resistance, and fluid in a pinhole can contribute to crazing of the dentin during placement.