Dyes for caries detection influence sound dentin bond strength

This study evaluated the influence of caries-detection dyes on the in vitro tensile bond strength of adhesive materials to sound dentin. Caries-free human molars were ground to expose superficial dentin. Two dyes (a commercial 0.5% basic fuchsin in propylene glycol and Cari-D-Tect) were applied to sound dentin and rinsed. Subsequently, the dentin was etched with phosphoric acid (35%) and rinsed, leaving a moist dentin surface. The adhesive (Prime & Bond 2.0) was applied in two layers and light cured. A composite (TPH Spectrum), a compomer (Dyract), and a hybrid ionomer (Advance) were used to prepare the bond-strength specimens with a 3-mm-in-diameter bonding area. Control groups were made without use of dyes. Six specimens were prepared for each group. After 24 hours in distilled water, tensile bond strength (MPa) was measured using a testing machine. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate the data. Without dyes, bond strengths of TPH Spectrum and Dyract with Prime and Bond 2.0 were similar and both values were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of Advance with Prime & Bond 2.0. Dyes for caries detection reduced the bond strength of TPH Spectrum and Dyract but not Advance when used with Prime and Bond 2.0.