Effect of a papain-based gel for chemomechanical caries removal on dentin shear bond strength.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the shear bond strength of an adhesive restorative system on sound and demineralized dentin after the use of a papain-based agent.

Methods: Forty human dentin slabs were randomly distributed into 4 groups: (1) sound dentin slabs that received an application of papain-based gel (N=10); (2) sound dentin slabs that did not receive a papain-based gel application (N=10); (3) demineralized slabs that received an application of the agent (N=10); and (4) demineralized slabs that did not receive an application of the agent (N=10). After manual excavation and use of the chemomechanical agent, the slabs were restored with a total etch adhesive system and microhybrid resin composite. The test specimens were individually stored in a damp environment for 7 days, and the shear bond strength test was performed using a universal test machine at a speed of 0.5 mm/min. The fragments were observed under a stereoscopic microscope to assess the fracture mode.

Results: Fracture mode assessment showed adhesive and cohesive type fractures in resin for all the groups. The analysis of variance and the Tukey test showed that there were no differences in the shear bond strength means among the groups (P>.05).

Conclusions: The use of a papain-based gel to remove dental caries did not interfere in the bond strength of restorative materials to dentin.