Influence of Dentin Desensitizer Pretreatment on the Shear Bond Strength of Composite Resin Using Three Adhesive Systems: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: Dentin desensitizers are used to reduce postoperative sensitivity but may influence the bonding performance of adhesive systems. The effect of dentin desensitizers on different generations of dentin bonding agents requires further evaluation. AIM: To compare and evaluate the shear bond strength of composite resin using fifth-, seventh-, and eighth-generation bonding agents with and without the application of a dentin desensitizer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty extracted human permanent molars were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10). Composite restorations were performed using three generations of bonding agents with or without Prevest Shield Activ (Prevest DenPro, Jammu, India) dentin desensitizer. Shear bond strength was evaluated using a Universal Testing Machine (Instron®, Norwood, MA, USA). Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test for multiple group comparisons. Statistical analysis was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: The fifth-generation adhesive without desensitizer demonstrated the highest shear bond strength (24.75 ± 1.15 MPa), whereas the seventh-generation adhesive with desensitizer showed the lowest (14.52 ± 0.61 MPa). Significant intergroup differences were observed (F = 167.516, p<0.001). Application of the dentin desensitizer reduced bond strength in all adhesive systems. CONCLUSION: The fifth-generation adhesive exhibited superior shear bond strength. Pretreatment with dentin desensitizer reduced bond strength in all groups, with the greatest reduction observed in the seventh-generation adhesive. Careful selection of adhesive systems is recommended when dentin desensitizers are used clinically.