Monkey pulp reactions to cavities treated with Gluma Dentin Bond and restored with a microfilled composite

Deep buccal cavities were cut in 72 incisors and canines in six young monkeys. The cavities were restored as follows: Group One: acid etching of the enamel followed by an intermediate layer of unfilled resin and a light-cured microfilled composite. Group Two: acid etching of the enamel followed by treatment of the dentin with Gluma Cleanser and Gluma Bond. The cavities were restored as in Group One. Group Three: same procedure as in Group Two except for application of a calcium hydroxide cement on the pulpal wall prior to acid etching. Pulp reactions, presence and location of bacteria were studied after 8 and 90 days. A significant association between presence of bacteria and moderate to severe inflammatory reactions were observed. Bacteria were only found in a very few cavities pretreated with Gluma Dentin Bond. In general, slight inflammatory changes prevailed in Groups Two and Three. When the pulpal wall was extremely thin a toxic effect of Gluma Dentin Bond was observed.