Journal of Dental Research, Vol 68, 491-495, Copyright © 1989 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Inhibition of bacterial growth under composite restorations following GLUMA pretreatment
D. Felton, G. Bergenholtz and C. F. Cox
Department of Fixed Prosthodontics, University of North Carolina, School of Dentistry 27599-7450.
The purpose of this investigation was to test in five adult monkeys the
effects of a glutaraldehyde-containing dentin bonding agent, GLUMA, on
bacterial colonization in Class V cavities restored with composite resin.
Experimental groups consisted of immediate placement of GLUMA and composite
resin as well as placement of GLUMA or Scotchbond (control) in acid-etched
cavities that had been left open to the oral environment for 48 hours.
Various procedures for pretreatment of the cavities were included. Tissue
specimens were prepared for light microscopy for observation of bacterial
presence and pulp tissue reactions after eight days and 90 days. Bacteria
were not detected in any of the 54 cavities treated with GLUMA regardless
of observation period or use of enamel-etching procedure prior to placement
of composite resin. When cavities were restored with composite resin
without prior GLUMA pretreatment or with Scotchbond, bacteria were present
under the majority of restorations at both time intervals. Pulpal
inflammation of varying extent and character was seen after eight days in
teeth that had been previously infected. At 90 days, pulps showed repair
and healing regardless of treatment protocol. Data indicate that GLUMA has
a distinct in vivo antibacterial effect that seems to prevent bacterial
growth in tooth/restoration interfaces.
