Effect of the Viscosity and Application Time of Different Phosphoric Acids on the Bond Strength and Nanoleakage of Fiber Posts to Root Dentin

Abstract

SUMMARY Purpose To evaluate the effect of application time and viscosity of meta-phosphoric acid (MPA) and ortho-phosphoric acid (OPA) on the push-out resin-dentin bond strength (PBS) and nanoleakage (NL) at the adhesive-root dentin interface. Methods and Materials Ninety-six roots of premolars were endodontically prepared and randomly assigned into groups according to the (i) acid (OPA and MPA), (ii) viscosity (gel and liquid), and (iii) application time (7 and 15 seconds). Fiber posts were cemented to the roots, which were then transversally sectioned into serial slices. The slices (cervical, medium, and apical) were subjected to PBS or NL. Analysis of the dentin etching pattern was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The PBS (MPa) and NL (%) data were subjected to three-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test (α=0.05). Results The cross-product interaction was significant for both PBS and NL (p<0.001). No significant difference in the PBS was observed with the use of OPA compared to MPA (p>0.05). Higher PBS values were observed in the groups etched for 15 seconds compared to 7 seconds, regardless of the acid, viscosity, or root third (p<0.05). Lower NL was observed for MPA etching when compared to OPA etching (p<0.05), and these values were not affected by increasing the application time or acid viscosity (p>0.05). A more pronounced etching pattern was observed with OPA than MPA regardless of the acid viscosity. Conclusion The use of 40% meta-phosphoric acid promoted adequate bond strength without increasing dentin demineralization or void spaces in the hybrid layer.