Bond Strength between Fiber Posts and Root Dentin Treated with Natural Cross-linkers

• Grape seed extract (GSE) pretreatment could preserve the bond strength of the fiber post to root dentin for 12 months.
• Bond strength of both total-etch and self-etch adhesive systems are preserved by pretreatment with GSE.
• GSE inhibits matrix metalloproteinase activity.
• The total-etch adhesive system presents a higher bond strength of fiber posts to root dentin than the self-etch adhesive system.

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a proanthocyanidin-rich extract (grape seed extract [GSE]) on the bond strength and stability of the adhesion of fiber posts to the root dentine using 2 adhesive systems: a total-etch and a self-etch adhesive system.MethodsSingle-rooted human teeth were randomly divided into 6 groups: G1 (control), untreated + total-etch adhesive Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (3M ESPE, St Paul, MN); G2, 6.5% GSE for 5 minutes + SB; G3, 10% GSE for 5 minutes + SB; and G4 to G6 groups were similar to previous ones; however, the self-etch adhesive system Clearfil SE Bond (Kuraray, Kurashiki, Japan) was used. Fiber posts were cemented with RelyX ARC (3M ESPE), and the specimens were immediately tested for push out or stored for 12 months. The bond strength means were analyzed by analysis of variance and Games-Howell post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Additionally, matrix metalloproteinase inhibition by 0.65%, 0.065%, and 0.0065% GSE was examined with gelatin zymography.ResultsThe use of GSE did not affect immediate bond strength to dentin and contributed to preserve the bond strength after 12 months (P < .05) for both adhesives. The bond strength of SB was significantly higher than Clearfil SE Bond (P < .05). Gelatin zymography showed reduced matrix metalloproteinase activity when recombinant enzymes were incubated with both 0.65% and 0.065% GSE, with complete inhibition at the highest concentration.ConclusionsThe pretreatment with GSE can be used as a natural alternative to improve bond strength stability of dentin–adhesive interfaces in root canals.