Comparison of Bromelain Enzyme, Sodium Hypochlorite, and Titanium Tetrafluoride on Shear Bond Strength of Restorative Composite to Dentin: An in vitro Study

 Sufficient bond strength of composite restoration leads to its durability and survival; therefore, preparation of dentin surface for higher bond strength is essential.

Our aim is to assess the deproteinizing effect of 3% bromelain enzyme and compare it to 4% titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) and 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) regarding the shear bond strength (SBS) of composite resin to dentin.

In this experimental study, 40 intact extracted human maxillary premolars were selected, and the occlusal surfaces of the teeth were sectioned at a depth of 2 mm from dentinoenamel junction. The teeth were divided into 4 groups (n=10). In Group 1, the teeth were etched with 37% phosphoric acid gel. In Group 2, the teeth were etched and deproteinized with 5% NaOCl. In Group 3, the teeth were etched and deproteinized with 4% TiF4. In Group 4, the teeth were etched and deproteinized with 3% bromelain enzyme. In each specimen, composites with 3 mm diameter and 2 mm height were prepared and cured. The test specimens were then stored in distilled water at room temperature for 7 days before conducting the SBS test (MPa). By universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min, the results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey test.

One-way ANOVA test demonstrated that pretreatment of dentin with a bromelain enzyme, TiF4 solution, or NaOCl was not statistically different regarding SBS to dentin (p= 0.790).

3% bromelain enzyme can be as effective as TiF4 and NaOCl and phosphoric acid 37% in terms of the SBS of composite resin to dentin.