Pulpal responses after application of current adhesive systems to deep cavities

The aim of the present study was to evaluate comparatively the pulpal tissue reactions of four adhesive systems placed in experimental cavities of healthy dog's teeth. Class V cavities with a mean value of remaining dentin thickness (RDT) ranging between 0.55 +/- 0.30-0.68 +/- 0.38 mm were prepared. The cavities were treated with the following adhesive systems: Etch and Prime 3.0 (EP), Single Bond (SB), Clearfil SE Bond (CSE), and Prompt L-Pop (PLP). The pulpal tissue responses to dentin adhesives were assessed histopathologically at postoperative periods of 7, 21, and 65 days, and the results were subjected to statistical analysis. A significantly greater adverse inflammatory response was observed with the materials EP and PLP, while a significantly lesser degree of disorganization in the odontoblastic zone was found with the materials SB and CSE, in the postoperative period of 65 days. In addition, a thicker predentin zone was observed where SB material was applied. Application of the selected adhesive systems to non-exposed cavities, with an RDT, which ranged between the above-mentioned rates, was correlated with slight to moderate inflammation and odontoblast reduction depending on the materials used as well as upon the RDT.