Histopathological response of infected cavities treated with Gluma and Scotchbond dentin bonding agents.

The purpose of this study was to observe the pulpal response of bacterially infected cavities restored with either Gluma or Scotchbond. Cl V cavities (120) were distributed throughout the dentitions of five adult Macaca mulatta monkeys at intervals of 8 and 90 days. Each cavity was left open to the oral microflora for 48 hours to allow bacterial invasion of the remaining dentin. Six treatment groups consisted of various cavity pretreatments with Gluma or Scotchbond. Each material, treatment procedure and time interval were represented in each animal. Tissues were prepared for light microscopic observation following routine laboratory procedures. Bacteria were present in the remaining dentin of all teeth left open to the oral microflora. Those cavities immediately restored with Gluma showed none to slight pulp responses at 8 and 90 days. Infected cavities (48 hours) which were treated with Gluma showed minor cell irregularities of the odontoblastic zone at 8 days, with healing and repair at 90 days. Most of the teeth treated with Scotchbond presented bacteria at the dentin-resin interface. No bacteria was observed in teeth treated with Gluma, regardless of prior infection for 48 hours.