Effect of chlorhexidine pretreatment on demineralized dentin bond strength

Objective: To analyze the bond strength to healthy and demineralized dentin, im-mediately and after 6 months, using a 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) pretreatment. Method: 40 healthy third molars with in -complete root development were abraded exposing dentin. The pieces were subject-ed to pH cycling. They were randomly divided into 2 groups: with and without CHX. In dentin, 4 resin buttons were cre-ated using universal adhesive in self-etch-ing mode. The samples were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C until analysis. Micro shearing was carried out at 24 hours and at 6 months of aging. Results: Healthy dentin group, without immedi-ate CHX presented higher bond strength (23.37 +/- 1.84). (Demineralized dentin group, without CHX, aged) presented the lowest bond strength (8.87 +/- 1.51). Conclusions: CHX prior to adhesive ap-plication doesn't improve bond strength values to healthy or demineralized dentin in short nor long term.