Effect of pulp pressure on the micropermeability and sealing ability of etch & rinse and self-etching adhesives

This research evaluated the effect of pulp pressure on the micropermeability and sealing ability of etch & rinse and self-etching adhesives. Two etch & rinse adhesives (Prime&Bond NT and Admira Bond) and one self-etching adhesive (Xeno III) were used. Adhesive layer micropermeability was evaluated by using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Eighteen molars were connected to a pulp pressure device and divided into two groups. One group was restored with pulp pressure and the other group without. Each group was divided into three subgroups according to the adhesive used. The adhesives were rhodamine-labeled and Class V cavities were restored. After restoration, all specimens were kept under pulp pressure conditions for 24 hours with fluorescein-labeled pulp fluid. The specimens were sectioned and the axial wall was observed under CLSM. A microleakage test was performed to evaluate the sealing. Thirty molars were divided into two groups. One group was prepared with a pulp pressure device and the other group without. Each group was divided into three subgroups as a function of the adhesive used. Class V cavities were restored and the specimens were immersed in fuchsin and sectioned. Microleakage and dentin penetration were recorded in the occlusal and gingival walls. A CLSM study showed that the etch & rinse adhesives had higher micropermeability compared to the self-etching adhesives and pulp pressure made all the adhesives more permeable. In the occlusal wall, the best sealing (hermetic) was obtained when etch & rinse adhesives were used. Xeno obtained the lowest occlusal sealing values. In the gingival wall, Xeno obtained the best sealing, followed by Admira and Prime&Bond. Pulp fluid decreased gingival wall sealing when etch & rinse adhesives were used but not when self-etching adhesive was used.