Journal of Dental Medicine

Background and Aims: The bond strength of direct composite restoration to the caries affected dentin is a challenging issue. Preparation of dentin with an antibacterial agent is a method for creating durable bonded restorations. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of curcumin photosensitizer on the bond strength of a universal adhesive to the caries-affected dentin (CAD).
Materials and Methods: In this experimental in vitro study, forty-four decayed human molar teeth were selected. After removing the surface enamel and dentin by a water-cooled saw, the decayed mid-coronal dentin was stained with a caries detection solution. The green and soft infected dentin was removed and CAD and hard and healthy surrounding dentin were left. Then, the remaining dentin surfaces were treated by 600 grit silicon carbide papers and polished. The specimens were divided into two groups (n=22): dentin pretreatment group by curcumin and control with no dentin pretreatment group by curcumin.  Each group was divided into two subgroups based on the method of application of All-Bond Universal adhesive (Bisco, USA) (etch and rinseand self-etching methods). After placing the Aelite All Purpose Body (Bisco, USA) composite, all  specimens  were placed in a universal testing machine for microshear bond strength (µSBS) test. The failure mode of the isolated surfaces was evaluated under a stereomicroscope. Two-way ANOVA analysis was used for statistical analysis.
Results: Based on the obtained results, intervention with the adhesive application method and surface pretreatment with curcumin had no significant effect on the bond strength. Also, there was no significant difference in the bond strength of the curcumin group in both etch and rinse and self-etching methods (SE=56.3±27.11 MPa; ER=52.4±84.11 MPa) (P=0.847). In the curcumin-free group, there was no significant difference between the two different adhesive application methods (P=0.187).
Conclusion: The results obtained in the present study showed that the pretreatment of dentin affected by caries with light-sensitive curcumin and also use of a universal adhesive by either self-etching or self-etchinf methodshad no influence on the microshear bond strength of the composite restoration.