Microleakage and confocal laser studies of 2 single-step self-etching bonding agents/systems

Objectives: This study investigated the microleakage, etching ability, and dentin-restorative interface of 2 different single-step self-etching bonding agents with compomers as restoratives. Method and Materials: Fifteen extracted noncarious human premolars were used for each dental material system. The bonding agent Xeno III was used with their compomer Dyract AP (Dentsply) and Adper Prompt L-Pop with their compomer Z2000 (3M Espe). Cylindrical cavities were prepared in enamel and dentin on the buccal surface at the cementoenamel junction and restored. The specimens were thermocycled and cut into slices, and the depth of dye penetration scored. The dentine-restorative interface was examined through a confocal scanning laser microscope. Results: Microleakages between the enamel and dentin sides differed significantly for Xeno (Wilcoxon rank sum test; P = .0058) as well as for Prompt (P = .0106), while the microleakages between the dentin sides of Xeno and Prompt did not differ significantly. However, between the enamel sides, a significant difference was found (P = .000), with the highest value for Prompt. The confocal laser studies showed tag formation, penetration of the bonding agents deep into the tubules, and hybrid layer formation for both bonding agents. Conclusions: It can be concluded that both adhesives gave microleakage values for dentin that are on the lower side. However, careful inspection of the enamel side indicated that both cannot be recommended for enamel sealing. Keywords: CLSM studies, microleakage, single-step self-etching bonding agents