Abstract
This paper evaluated the influence of different protocols of silver fluoride (SF) pretreatment of artificial carious lesions on the adhesive interface of composite resin restorations and remineralization of deciduous dentin compared to silver diamine fluoride (SDF). Sixty-four deciduous molar teeth were randomly divided into 8 groups (n = 8) according to the restoration time (immediately - IM; 30 days after SDF/SF treatment - 30 D) and treatment before restoration (SDF 38 %; SDF 38 % + potassium iodide - KI; SF 38 %; SF 38 % +KI). After SDF/SF application, teeth in the IM group were restored with self-etch universal adhesive system/composite resin. Samples in the 30D groups were stored in artificial saliva (37 °C) for 30 days before receiving the same restoring protocol. Beams were obtained from all groups and subjected to bond strength tests (µTBS), ultrastructural qualitative analysis (FEG) and mineral analysis (SEM/EDX; Micro-Raman spectroscopy). The µTBS data were subjected to three-factor ANOVA and multiple comparisons (Holm-Sidak method). Bond strength values (MPa) for IM groups were 16.9 ± 2.7 (SDF); 17.6 ± 3.5 (SDF + KI); 16.8 ± 5.5 (SF); 18.4 ± 4.1 (SF + KI); and 14.9 ± 4.2 (SDF); 16.0 ± 5.4 (SDF + KI); 14.1 ± 3.6(SF); 16.4 ± 5.4 (SF + KI) for 30D groups. Bond strength wasn't influenced by the moment of restoration (IM or 30D); the use of KI didn't alter adhesion characteristics; SDF/SF solutions resulted in similar adhesive strength; calcium and phosphate expressions were identified at the interfaces on IM and 30D moments. However, 30D presented qualitative increase in these ions, compatible with remineralization. It was concluded that the adhesion of composite resin restorations in artificial caries lesions of deciduous teeth treated with SDF (38 %) and SF (38 %) had similar effects in vitro; the use of KI or the moment when restorations were accomplished did not influence the adhesion and all tested protocols promoted remineralization of carious dentin.