ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of an 8.0% arginine and calcium carbonate desensitizing toothpaste (Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief) on shear bond strength of composites to bovine incisor dentin. METHODS: Bovine incisors were sectioned and prepared into 27 dentin specimens. The experimental group had 13 specimens treated for 10 sessions of two-minute brushing with an 8.0% arginine and calcium carbonate desensitizing toothpaste, followed by a 30-second agitated water wash. The control group had 14 specimens treated with flour of pumice only. Each specimen was dried, etched with 35% phosphoric acid for 15 seconds, and washed clean. A bonding agent was applied and polymerized. A 2.38 mm diameter column of Filtek Supreme A2 was bonded to the surface and polymerized as per manufacturer's instructions. Specimens were stored in water for at least 48 hours, subjected to a shear force at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute on an Instron mechanical testing device, and force at failure was recorded. A one-sided t-test was used to evaluate significant differences among the groups as measured by mean shear strength. RESULTS: Mean shear force was 19.6 +/- 9.4 (SD) for the experimental group and 15.4 +/- 6.0 for the control group with p = 0.0291. CONCLUSION: No significant differences were found for bond strength to dentin treated with an 8.0% arginine and calcium carbonate desensitizing toothpaste or pumice. Dentists can still achieve optimal dentin bonding results if a patient is using Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief to manage dentin hypersensitivity.
