Bacteria in cavities beneath intermediary base materials

The ability of six different intermediary base materials to prevent bacterial entrance beneath silicate cement fillings was investigated in vivo in primary molars. After an observation period of 1 month, bacteria were found on the pulpal wall in two out of 10 cavities beneath Fluoritec and four out of 10 cavities beneath Durelon solid mixed, De Trey phosphate cement solid or creamy mixed. Beneath the intermediary base materials Dycal, zinc oxide-eugenol cement, Dropsin and Durelon creamy mixed, no bacteria were found. In cavities filled with silicate cement or silver amalgam only, bacteria were observed in nine out of 10 and in five out of 10 cavities, respectively.