Ferric sulphate alterations on primary dentin and the adhesive interface.

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials
• Adhesion Science

Background:

• Pulp medications are crucial in restorative dentistry.
• Ferric sulphate (FS) is used as a hemostatic agent and astringent in endodontics.
• Potential interactions between FS and dental adhesives require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of ferric sulphate (FS) on primary dentin.
• To determine if FS affects the microchemical structure of dentin.
• To assess the impact of FS on the bond strength of dental adhesives to primary dentin.

Main Methods:

• Primary dentin was treated with FS for microchemical analysis using spectroscopy and microscopy.
• Adhesive bond strength was tested using the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) test.
• Study groups included etch-and-rinse and self-etching adhesives, with and without FS and chlorhexidine (CHX) pre-treatment.

Main Results:

• FS application caused demineralization, gypsum formation, and iron adsorption on dentin.
• FS altered the collagen structure of primary dentin.
• FS did not affect the bond strength of etch-and-rinse adhesives but slightly reduced bond strength with self-etching adhesives, regardless of CHX treatment.

Conclusions:

• Ferric sulphate significantly alters the microchemical composition and collagen structure of primary dentin.
• The use of FS as a pulp medication may compromise the bond durability of certain self-etching dental adhesives.
• Further research is needed to explore alternative pulp capping agents or surface treatments to mitigate these effects.