Inhibition of bacterial growth under composite restorations following GLUMA pretreatment

The purpose of this investigation was to test in five adult monkeys the effects of a glutaraldehyde-containing dentin bonding agent, GLUMA, on bacterial colonization in Class V cavities restored with composite resin. Experimental groups consisted of immediate placement of GLUMA and composite resin as well as placement of GLUMA or Scotchbond (control) in acid-etched cavities that had been left open to the oral environment for 48 hours. Various procedures for pretreatment of the cavities were included. Tissue specimens were prepared for light microscopy for observation of bacterial presence and pulp tissue reactions after eight days and 90 days. Bacteria were not detected in any of the 54 cavities treated with GLUMA regardless of observation period or use of enamel-etching procedure prior to placement of composite resin. When cavities were restored with composite resin without prior GLUMA pretreatment or with Scotchbond, bacteria were present under the majority of restorations at both time intervals. Pulpal inflammation of varying extent and character was seen after eight days in teeth that had been previously infected. At 90 days, pulps showed repair and healing regardless of treatment protocol. Data indicate that GLUMA has a distinct in vivo antibacterial effect that seems to prevent bacterial growth in tooth/restoration interfaces.