Effects of Arginine-calcium carbonate pretreatment on the remineralizing and bonding performance of phosphorylated dentin

Abstract

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of Arginine-calcium carbonate (Arg-CaCO3) paste treatment of phosphorylated dentin on remineralizing and bonding performance during direct and indirect restorations under pulpal pressure. MethodsUnder simulated pulpal pressure, dentin of healthy third molars were abraded and acid etched for 15s, then randomly divided into 4 groups: negative control group; Arg-CaCO3 group (1min); 2.5% Sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) group (3min); S-A group, 2.5% STMP + Arg-CaCO3. After 24h, remineralization and dentin tubular occlusion were assessed by Attenuated total reflection fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Micro-Raman spectroscopy, Vickers hardness, Field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and Energy X-ray dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The liquid environment was the simulated body fluid (SBF) permeated from dentin tubules due to pulpal pressure. Stick specimens prepared with self-etch dentin adhesive were tested for microtensile bond strength (μTBS) and interfacial silver nanoleakage on both immediate direct restoration and indirect restoration with a 7-day temporary period. Data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney test, Welch ANOVA or one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test (p < 0.05). ResultsThe pretreatment of 2.5% STMP with Arg-CaCO3 significantly increased relative mineral content by ATR-FTIR, Raman and FESEM-EDS, simultaneously enhancing dentin tubular occlusion (%) and mechanical property to the most considerable extent. Furthermore, the pretreatment significantly promoted the μTBS of indirect restoration and reduced nanoleakage after 7 days. ConclusionsThe application of Arg-CaCO3 paste on phosphorylated dentin could improve intra- and extra-tubular mineralization and the stability of adhesion interface. Clinical relevanceWithout exceeding the amount of conventional tooth preparation, combining 2.5% STMP with Arg-CaCO3 paste before the self-etch bonding system might be a promising clinical strategy to relieve dentin hypersensitivity and strengthen bonding performance efficiently and conveniently.