Purpose: To evaluate the effect of inclusion of two dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) concentrations in simplified etch-and-rinse adhesives on dentin bonding durability after three years of water storage.
Materials and Methods: Forty-two caries-free third molars were divided into six experimental groups (n = 7) according to the following factors: 1) adhesive (Adper Single Bond 2 [SB], 3M Oral Care; Prime&Bond 2.1 [PB], Dentsply Sirona); 2) concentration of DMSO (control group: 0.0% DMSO; addition of 0.2% DMSO [0.2] and 2% DMSO [2.0]). After completing restoration, specimens were stored in water (37ºC) for 24 h, sectioned into adhesive-dentin sticks (0.8 mm2), tested for microtensile bond strength (µTBS) at 0.5 mm/min, and examined for nanoleakage (NL) using SEM immediately thereafter or after three years of water storage. Data were subjected to a three-way repeated-measures ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05) for each property evaluated.
Results: After three years of water storage, for both adhesives, the incorporation of 2% DMSO maintained the µTBS when compared to immediate µTBS (p > 0.05). In general, SB resulted in a statistically significantly higher mean of µTBS compared to PB, independent of the DMSO concentration after water storage (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the amount of NL was lower and practically limited to the hybrid layer given the concentrations of 0.2% and 2% DMSO for both tested adhesives after three years.
Conclusion: The incorporation of DMSO in simplified etch-and-rinse adhesives maintains the long-term stability of the dentin bond.