Purpose: To evaluate the remineralization effects of Bioglass 45S5 (BAG) on dentin composition, adhesive-dentin bond strength, as well as interface and diffusion zone thickness.
Materials and methods: Dentin specimens were assigned to a control group (CG), in which the adhesive was applied following the manufacturer's instructions, and a remineralized group (RG), in which remineralization treatment was carried out by rubbing a remineralization solution (0.015 g of BAG with 1.35 ml of distilled water) on the etched dentin surface for 30 s before applying the adhesive. For bioactive analysis (n = 10), control and remineralized dentin were investigated using micro-Raman spectroscopy (mRS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Stick specimens prepared with a three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive were submitted to a microtensile bond strength (µTBS) test (n = 10) after 24 h (24 h) and eight months (8 m). Micro-RS 3D-maps (n = 10) characterized the adhesive-dentin interface composition and diffusion zone thickness, and SEM images (n = 10) evaluated interface thickness. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test or two-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer's post-hoc test (α = 0.05).
Results: Remineralization treatment increased the mineral content of dentin. Mean µTBSs were statistically different at 24 h, with RG higher than CG; however, this difference was not significant at 8 m. When the adhesive was applied on remineralized dentin, its penetration was reduced, its physical interaction with phosphate was improved, and its degree of conversion increased. The diffusion zone in the CG did not differ from that of the RG, and interface thickness values of the CG did not differ from that of the RG.
Conclusion: Remineralization treatment promoted mineral growth on the dentin surface, improved the interaction of dentin with adhesive monomers, and consequently resulted in higher immediate bond strengths.
Keywords: adhesive-dentin interface; bioglass; bond strength; dentin remineralization; etch-and-rinse adhesives; Raman spectroscopy.