The study aimed to analyze the effect of the addition of nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) particles on the mechanical properties of experimental adhesive (EA). Furthermore, dentin interaction of EA (without nano-HA) and EA with nano-HA (hereon referred to as HA-10%) were also investigated and equated. Methods consisting of scanning electron microscopy (SEM)–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), micro-Raman spectroscopy, micro-tensile bond strength (µTBS) test, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were employed to study nano-HA particles shape, dentin bond strength, degree of conversion (DC), and adhesive–dentin interaction. Ninety teeth (N = 90) were collected, and pre-bonding, conditioning of dentin was performed utilizing phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) etching, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and ER-CR-YSGG (ECY) laser. The teeth were set to form bonded specimens using two adhesives. Nano-HA particles were spherical-shaped, and EDX confirmed the presence of oxygen, calcium, and phosphorus. Micro-Raman spectroscopy revealed distinct phosphate and carbonate peaks for nano-HA. The µTBS test demonstrated highest values for HA-10% group on the H₃PO₄ conditioned dentin. The greatest DC was observed for the EA group. The addition of nano-HA-10 wt.% particles in dentin adhesive resulted in improved bond strength. The incorporation also demonstrated acceptable DC (although lower than EA group), suitable dentin interaction, and resin tag formation.

Background: This in-vitro study aimed to investigate the effect of two different antibacterial disinfectants on the microleakage performance of newly developed bulk-fill composite, bonded to different tooth structures. Methods: Class V cavities were prepared in 30 sound premolar teeth, with enamel occlusal margins (OM) and dentin cervical margins (CM). Two disinfectants, 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) and Listerine Miswak (ListM), were used. Teeth were divided into three groups (n = 10): G1, Control; G2, CHX; and G3, ListM. Disinfectants were applied to the cavity preparation walls after they were etched with 35% phosphoric acid. The Single Bond Universal adhesive system was then used, and teeth were restored with Filtek One Bulk Fill composite. Samples were examined, after thermocycling aging, by stereomicroscopy for the evaluation of marginal dye penetration. Results: The highest mean microleakage score was reported in the CM of G1 (2.60 ± 1.174), which was significant compared with that of G2 only (p = 0.02). OM in G1 showed no microleakage, with no significant differences found among groups (χ² = 1.39, p = 0.50). No significant differences were reported between G2 and G3 (p = 0.45 OM; p = 0.17 CM). Conclusions: Cavity pretreatment with CHX is not significantly different to pretreatment with CHX. In contrast, CHX improved the cervical marginal seal as compare to the control group (G1).

This study compared microleakage of different resin based composite (RBC) materials bonded to dentin, after chlorhexidine (CHX) application, by different adhesion protocols of a universal adhesive system. Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal and lingual surfaces of 40 premolar teeth. The “etch-and-rinse” technique of a universal bond adhesive system (Single Bond Universal Adhesive) was used on buccal preparations, while the “self-etch” protocol was used on the lingual surfaces. Two RBCs, one bulk fill (Filtek Bulk Fill [FBF]) and one conventional (Filtek Z350 XT [Z350XT]), were used. Teeth were divided into two groups of 20 teeth each, 10 per each RBC (n = 10): (1) control; and (2) pretreatment with 2% CHX. For FBF groups, teeth were restored with a single increment; however, for Z350XT, a layering technique was used. Teeth were aged by thermo-cycling and prepared for microleakage testing. Dye penetration was evaluated and scored from 0 to 4. Data were analyzed at a significance level of P < 0.05. The highest microleakage mean scores were found in the control group of the etched margins for both RBCs (2.80 ± 1.033 FBF and 2.10 ± 1.370 Z350XT). The CHX-pretreated group showed significantly lower microleakage than the control for FBF only (P = 0.008). No significant difference was found between groups for the “self-etch” protocol (χ² = 0.884, P = 0.08). No significant differences were found between FBF and Z350XT in all study groups (P > 0.2). When the “self-etch” protocol of the universal adhesive system was used, dentin microleakage was not affected by CHX-pretreatment when teeth were restored with bulk fill or conventional RBCs. In the “etch-and-rinse” protocol, CHX application improved the marginal seal before restoration with bulk fill material. However, in the absence of CHX, the “etch-and-rinse” protocol negatively affected marginal integrity.

The aim of the study was to assess the conditioning efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and Er,Cr:YSGG laser (ECYL) to dentin compared with conventional regime bonded to resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGIC). Forty mandibular teeth were cleaned, disinfected, and mounted vertically within the segments of polyvinyl pipes up to cementoenamel junction. The occlusal surfaces were flattened, and samples were divided into four groups according to conditioning protocols. Samples in groups I and II underwent PDT, samples in group III were conditioned with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) using Er,Cr:YSGG laser (ECYL), and samples in group IV were conditioned using polyacrylic acid (PAA). Fuji II LC was applied incrementally and light cured for 20 seconds. All samples were placed in universal testing machine for shear bond strength (SBS) testing. The fracture surface was analyzed using stereomicroscope at 50× magnification to determine mode of failure. Among different investigational groups Tukey test was used as post hoc along with analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significance level was established at p 0.05). Fracture analysis revealed that in PDT group adhesive failure type was in majority. However, admixed failure type was commonly presented in groups III and IV. PDT of dentin using photosensitizers MBP and CP deteriorates bond values when bonded to RMGIC. The use of LLLT to condition dentin has the potential to improve SBS. Dentin conditioning with LLLT using ECYL may improve, is of utmost importance for better treatment outcome, predictable prognosis, and improved bond integrity to RMGIC.