Evaluation of the Bond Strength of Different Pulp Capping Materials to Dental Adhesive Systems: An In Vitro Study

Aim: To evaluate the bond strengths of pulp capping materials (Dycal, ProRoot MTA, Biodentine, TheraCal LC, Calcimol LC, and ApaCal ART) and different adhesive systems (Gluma 2 Bond, Clearfil SE Protect, Gluma Self Etch, Clearfil S-3 Bond Plus, Gluma Bond Universal, Clearfil S-3 Bond Universal). Materials and Methods: Two hundred fifty-two acrylic blocks were prepared in which cylindrical cavities of 4 x 2 mm(3) were formed. Pulp capping materials were placed in the cavities. Different adhesive systems were applied to each pulp capping material group. After applying the composite resin, the shear bond strength (SBS) values of the specimens were determined in the Instron test device. Fracture types were evaluated using a stereomicroscope and a scanning electron microscope. Data were analyzed by Shapiro-Wilk's and Kruskal-Wallis H test. Results: There is a statistically significant difference between pulp capping materials in terms of SBS values (P < .05). Dycal's SBS was found significantly lower than other materials, and the highest bond strength was observed in Calcimol LC material. Although there is no statistically significant difference (P > .05) between the adhesive agent groups in terms of SBS, Gluma 2 Bond showed the highest bond strength value. Conclusion: In traditional pulp capping materials such as Dycal, MTA, and Biodentine, using a two-step self-etch adhesive system can result in higher bond strength values. In resin-based TheraCal LC,, ApaCal ART, and Calcimol LC materials, it may be recommended to use a two-step etch and rinse adhesive system.