Nanoleakage at the Composite-dentin Interface: a Review

The term "nanoleakage" was introduced to describe a specific type of leakage within the dentin margins of restorations. Nanoleakage appears as a consequence of the acid etching procedure allowing the penetration of oral and pulpal liquids such as acids into porosities within or adjacent to the hybrid layer. Nanoleakage is independent from microleakage. The amount of penetration depends on the type of bonding agent and on different parameters of the application technique (e.g. etching time, dentin moisture). Nanoleakage is much less extensive than microleakage and has probably no short-term clinical relevance. The long-term stability of the adhesive bond between dentin and restorative material, however, might be adversely affected. Nevertheless, based on the knowledge to date, acid etching prior to dentin bonding should be performed.