Comparative efficacy of three deproteinizing agents on the shear bond strength of pit and fissure sealant: An in vitro study

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of pit and fissure sealant with and without deproteinization with agents such as 5% NaOCl, papain gel, and bromelain gel. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, 60 premolar teeth were divided into four groups of 15 teeth each. In control Group 1, enamel was etched for 60 s with 37% phosphoric acid and rinsed with water. In Group 2, deproteinizing agent 5% sodium hypochlorite was applied for 60 s before acid etching. In Group 3, deproteinizing agent papain gel was applied for 60 s before acid etching. In Group 4, deproteinizing agent bromelain gel was applied for 60 s before acid etching. Following this, Clinpro™ 3M™ ESPE™ pit and fissure sealant disc was built on the enamel buccal surface of each tooth. Samples were then tested for SBS using Universal Testing Machine after storage in distilled water for 24 h. Results: The mean SBS was highest for Group 4 and lowest for Group 1. SBS was significantly higher in the bromelain gel group, followed by the papain gel group (P < 0.001), 5% NaOCl group (P < 0.001), and control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Among deproteinizing agents, deproteinization when carried out with bromelain gel showed effective bond strength and lowest for the control group.