Saliva with different concentrations of enzyme with esterolytic activity, and its effect on the immediate and long-term bond strength of adhesive systems to dentin

The present study evaluated whether different concentrations of albumin would influence the immediate or long-term bond strength of adhesive systems to dentin. Human third molars (N = 90) were sectioned at the dentin-enamel junction to obtain middle dentin occlusal surfaces. After sectioning into discs, the molars were restored with resin composite (Filtek Z250, 3 M/ESPE) by using an etch-and-rinse (Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose, 3 M/ESPE) or a self-etch (Clearfil SE Bond, Kuraray) adhesive system. The specimens were then sectioned into beams and stored in artificial saliva containing albumin in regular (100 μg/mL; SA100) or elevated (700 μg/mL; SA700) concentration—both concentrations simulated the range in which this enzyme may be present clinically, depending on the patient`s periodontal condition. Beams from the control group (CO) were kept in artificial saliva with no addition of albumin. Half of the beams from each group were stored for 24 h, and the remainder, for 12 months. Then, the microtensile bond strength test was performed, and the failure mode was analyzed (adhesive, cohesive, or mixed). Bond strength data were submitted to the generalized linear model, followed by the Tukey tests, and failure modes were compared using chi-square tests (α = 5%). There were no significant interactions, but there was a significant effect between the albumin concentration (p = 0.015) and the time factor (p = 0.016). The beams stored in SA700 had significantly lower bond strength in comparison with the CO beams, regardless of the adhesive system. At 12 months, the bond strength decreased significantly for all groups. SA700 caused a significant increase in the adhesive failures after 12 months (p = 0.005). It was concluded that the bond strength of both adhesive systems was impaired by the albumin concentration aging.