Influence of Pro-Argin Desensitizing Paste on Bond Strength After Aging

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a recently introduced desensitizing paste based on Pro-Argin technology (GABA GmbH, Germany) on microtensile bond strength of a resin cement system (Futurabond DC, Bifix QM) after artificial aging using water storage and application of provisional cement (Provicol QM). Methods: 60 freshly extracted third molars were included. All teeth were specially prepared allowing the simulation of dentin perfusion and standardized conditions. The specimens were randomly assigned to four experimental groups of fifteen each: group 1: control without desensitizer; group 2: desensitizing paste application; group 3: desensitizing paste, water storage; group 4: desensitizing paste, application of Provicol QM, water storage. Group 3 and 4 were stored in water for one week. In group 3 Provicol QM was additionally applied after desensitizer application. Microtensile bond strength was measured using an universal testing machine. Results: For the test series following tensile bond strengths were evaluated (mean values and standard deviations in MPa): Group 1: 14.04 (±2.64), group 2: 12.20 (±1.94), group 3: 12.68 (± 1.72), group 4: 10.61 (± 1.85). Statistical analysis showed a significant influence of the different aging procedures on microtensile bond strength (p 0.001, ANOVA). After application of the desensitizing paste no significant reduction of bond strength could be observed compared with the untreated control. Pairwise comparison showed no significant reduction of bond strength in specimen after water storage. Compared to the untreated control, the additional application of the provisional cement bond strength reduced bond strength significantly (p 0.05, Tukey's test). Conclusions: Within the limitations of an in vitro investigation it can be concluded that application of the desensitizing paste based on Pro-Argin technology might not affect microtensile bond strength of the used self-etch adhesive system. However, the additional use of provisional cement decreased bond strength significantly. Keywords: dentin, dentin hypersensitivity, bond strength, desensitizier, artificial aging