Deproteinizing Agents as an Effective Enamel Bond Enhancer-An in Vitro Study

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different deproteinizing agents on shear bond strength of composite to primary teeth enamel. Study Design: Forty sound primary molars divided in 4 groups of 10 teeth each. In control group 1, enamel was etched for 60 seconds with 37% phosphoric acid and rinsed with water. Group 2: after acid etching deproteinizing agent 5 % sodium hypochlorite was applied for 60 seconds and rinsed. Group 3: after acid etching deproteinizing agent papain gel was applied for 60 seconds and rinsed. Group 4: after acid etching deproteinizing agent bromelain gel applied for 60 seconds and rinsed. Following this, bonding agent was applied to treated enamel surface and composite resin disc were build. Samples were then tested for shear bond strength using Universal Testing Machine. Results: Mean SBS was highest for group 4 and lowest for group 1. No statistically significant difference (p value >0.05) was found between all the four groups. Conclusion: Among deproteinizing agents, deproteinization when carried out with bromelain gel and sodium hypochlorite showed effective bond strength as compared to papain.