Shear bond strength of composite resin, Cention N, and Stela to different pulp capping materials: an in vitro study

Background: The bond strength between pulp capping and restorative materials is critical for successful pulp therapy. This study aims to evaluate and compare the shear bond strengths (SBS) between three pulp capping materials (Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), Biodentine, and TheraCal PT) and three restorative materials (composite resin, Cention N, and Stela). Methods: A total of 90 acrylic samples were prepared with a central hole of 4 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height. The samples were randomly divided into three groups based on the pulp capping materials, i.e., MTA, Biodentine, and TheraCal PT. After completecuring of the pulp capping materials, each group was divided into three subgroups (n = 10) based on the restorative materials, i.e., composite resin, Cention N, and Stela. The samples were kept for 24 hours at 37 ◦C and 100%humidity. A shear test was conducted for each sample using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Different failure modes were visualized under a stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc test. Results: Two-way ANOVA showed that SBS values (p < 0.05) were significantly affected by both the pulp capping material and the restorative material. The SBS of TheraCal PT along with restorative materials was significantly higher (p < 0.001) compared to MTA and Biodentine. Among the restorative materials, the SBS between Stela Automix and MTA or Biodentine was significantly higher than those of the other restorative materials (p < 0.001). The highest SBS was observed for the TheraCal PT-composite group (24.56 ± 2.89), whereas the lowest was observed in the MTA-Cention N group (6.02± 1.40). Conclusions: The 10-MDP monomer in the adhesive system of Stela Automix chemically binds with calcium in hydroxyapatite, providing strong adhesion to calcium-rich surfaces such as MTA and Biodentine. Within the limitations of this in vitro study, TheraCal PT shows favorable binding comparable to other pulp capping materials. The TheraCal PT–composite combination may reduce microleakage and improve permanent restorations compared with other pulp capping materials; however, clinical validation is vital.

MTA; Biodentine; TheraCal PT; Shear bond strength; Vital pulp therapy; Bioactive materials

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