Proteolytic activity and bond strength of the resin cement-root dentin interface produced in the presence of cross-linkers

The resin-dentin bond stability can be improved by the use of cross-linkers. However, only scarce information is available as to the performance of these agents on root dentin. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three cross-linkers on the proteolytic activity of root dentin and on the bond strength of resin-based cement-root dentin interfaces. Single canal roots were obtained from human premolars (n=48). After endodontic treatment, they were randomly divided into four groups: deionized water (control), 0.5 mol/L carbodiimide (EDC), 5% proanthocyanidin (PA) or 5% glutaraldehyde (GD). After 24h from dentin treatment with the cross-linkers and the cementation of a fiber post with a resin-based cement, the roots were transversally sectioned to obtain 1 mm-thick specimens, from the cervical, mid and apical areas. Nine roots per group were used for the push-out test and three for determining the proteolytic activity of the root dentin by in situ zymography. Bond strength data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests and the existence of an association between the type of fracture and the independent variables of the study was determined by chi-square test (=0.05). None of the cross-linkers affected the bond strength. GD increased bond strength compared to PA, but both were similar to the control. Significant reduction in bond strength was observed between the cervical and the apical root thirds. Increase in the percentage of adhesive fractures between the glass fiber post and resin cement was observed for EDC and GD groups, in comparison with the control group, while for PA, an increase of adhesive fractures between the resin cement and dentin was observed. Intense gelatinolytic activity was seen in the control group which was remarkably reduced in the cross-linker-treated groups. In conclusion, besides not interfering with bond strength, the cross-linkers reduced the proteolytic activity in the hybrid layers of the resin cement-root dentin bond. (AU)