Bioactive effects of a calcium/sodium phosphosilicate on the resin–dentine interface: a microtensile bond strength, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal microscopy study

This study evaluated, through microtensile bond strength (μTBS) testing, the bioactive effects of a calcium/sodium phosphosilicate (BAG) at the resin–dentine interface after 6 months of storage in phosphate buffer solution (PBS). Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were also performed. Three bonding protocols were evaluated: (i) RES‐Ctr (no use of BAG), (ii) BAG containing adhesive (BAG‐AD), and (iii) BAG/H ₃ PO ₄ before adhesive (BAG‐PR). The dentin‐bonded specimens were prepared for μTBS testing, which was carried out after 24 h or 6 months of storage in PBS. Scanning electron microscopy ultramorphology analysis was performed after debonding. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to evaluate the morphological and nanoleakage changes induced by PBS storage. High μTBS values were achieved in all groups after 24 h of storage in PBS. Subsequent to 6 months of storage in PBS the specimens created using the BAG‐AD bonding approach still showed no significant reduction in μTBS. Moreover, specimens created using the BAG‐AD or the BAG‐PR approach showed an evident reduction of nanoleakage after prolonged storage in PBS. The use of BAG‐containing adhesive may enhance the durability of the resin–dentine bonds through therapeutic/protective effects associated with mineral deposition within the bonding interface and a possible interference with collagenolytic enzyme activity (matrix metalloproteinases) responsible for the degradation of the hybrid layer.