This study was aimed to develop an instrument for real-time measurement of fluid conductance and to investigate the hydrodynamics of dentinal fluid. The instrument consisted of three parts; (1) a glass capillary and a photo sensor for detection of fluid movement, (2) a servo-motor, a lead screw and a ball nut for tracking of fluid movement, (3) a rotary encoder and software for data processing.

To observe the blocking effect of dentinal fluid movement, oxalate gel and self-etch adhesive agent were used. BisBlock (Bisco) and Clearfil SE Bond (Kuraray) were applied to the occlusal dentin surface of extracted human teeth. Using this new device, the fluid movement was measured and compared between before and after each agent was applied.

The instrument was able to measure dentinal fluid movement with a high resolution (0.196 nL) and the flow occurred with a rate of 0.84 to 15.2 nL/s before treatment. After BisBlock or Clearfil SE Bond was used, the fluid movement was decreased by 39.8 to 89.6%.