Comparative evaluation of the effect of different disinfecting agents on bond strength of composite resin to dentin using two-step self-etch and etch and rinse bonding systems: An in-vitro study

OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to examine the effect of the application of different disinfecting agents on the shear bond strength (SBS) of an etch-and-rinse system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 dentin surfaces of human molars were taken. Sixty samples were taken for immediate (testing was done after 24 h) and delayed (testing was done after 6 months) each. Further, they were divided into three subgroups (n = 20) according to the disinfectant used: Group I: control (no disinfectant); Group II: chlorhexidine based; and Group III: Aloe barbadensis miller (Aloe vera) based. Dentine bonding agent was applied, and resin composite build-ups were done for SBS testing. Samples were examined under scanning electron microscope for observing the gap formation for dentin-restoration interface. SBS results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The results of the study showed that both chlorhexidine and aloe vera had improved bond strength as compared to the control group both for immediate and delayed SBSs. CONCLUSION: Thus, aloe vera can be used as an alternative to chlorhexidine for cavity disinfection.