Effect of adhesive restorations over incomplete dentin caries removal: 5-year follow-up study in primary teeth.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the materials used for indirect pulp treatment (IPT) on the long-term outcome of primary molar teeth. METHODS: Forty-eight teeth with deep carious lesions, but without signs and symptoms of irreversible pulpitis, were randomly divided into 2 groups, according to the material placed on the demineralized dentin remain: (1) experimental group, adhesive system (Scotchbond Multipurpose); and (2) control group, calcium hydroxide liner (Dycal). Both groups were followed by a resin restoration application. RESULTS: After 4 to 5 years, the clinical and radiographic success rates between groups were similar (group 1=14 of 15; group 2=8 of 10; P=0.350). Subsequent to exfoliation, scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of a hybrid layer at the resin-dentin interface and a microtensile bond strength of 9.63 MPa (group 1). Histological analysis showed that the pulp health status was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Indirect pulp treatment has a high clinical and radiographic long-term success rate in primary teeth and is not material-dependent.