Bond Durability of Self-etch Adhesive to Ethanol-Based Chlorhexidine Pretreated Dentin after Storage in Artificial Saliva and under Intrapulpal Pressure Simulation

Abstract

SUMMARY Objective To evaluate the bond strength durability of a single-step self-etch adhesive to dentin pretreated with either ethanol-based chlorhexidine (ECHX) or water-based chlorhexidine (WCHX) after storage in artificial saliva and under intrapulpal pressure simulation (IPPS). Methods The occlusal enamel of 30 freshly extracted premolars was trimmed to expose midcoronal dentin. Roots were sectioned to expose the pulp chamber. Specimens were distributed over three groups (n=10) according to the dentin pretreatment used. In the first group, Adper Easy One (3M ESPE) was applied to the dentin surfaces according to the manufacturer's instructions (control group). In the second group, dentin was pretreated before bonding with 1 mL of 2% CHX diacetate dissolved in 100% ethanol (ECHX). The third group received the same pretreatment; however, CHX was dissolved in distilled water (WCHX). Pretreatment and bonding were carried out while the specimens were subjected to IPPS. Resin composite (Valux Plus, 3MESPE) buildups were made. After curing, specimens were stored in artificial saliva and under IPPS at 37°C in a specially constructed incubator (n=5/group) either for 24 hours or six months prior to testing. Thereafter, bonded specimens were sectioned into sticks with a cross section of 0.9 ± 0.01 mm2 and subjected to microtensile bond strength (μTBS) testing (n=25/subgroup) using a universal testing machine. Data were statistically analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures, one-way ANOVA , and Bonferroni post hoc tests (p≤0.05). Failure modes were determined using a scanning electron microscope. Results After 24 hours of storage, control and WCHX groups revealed significantly higher μTBS than the ECHX group. After six-month storage in artificial saliva and IPPS, only the WCHX group maintained its μTBS value. The predominant mode of failure was the mixed type, except for the ECHX group, which was mostly adhesive. Conclusion Pretreatment of the dentin with ECHX had a negative effect on bonding of the tested single-step self-etch adhesive; however, WCHX showed bond stability under IPPS.