Purpose: To evaluate in vivo the efficacy in preventing post-operative sensitivity and bacterial invasion of primed dentin that was left unprotected for 4 days after laminate veneer preparation.
Materials and methods: Twelve vital, periodontically involved anterior teeth were prepared for experimental laminate veneers and divided into three groups: (1) Control group, in which the prepared surfaces were left unprotected after preparation; (2) Prepared dentin surfaces were cleaned with Tubulicid Red Label and covered with Tubulitec Primer; (3) All-Bond 2 Primer was applied to the prepared dentin surface. Post-operative sensitivity was evaluated immediately and a second appointment, 4 days later. The teeth were then extracted and examined by SEM.
Results: The application of a primer (Groups 2 and 3) prevented all sensitivity. After 4 days, the teeth in Group 1 were still sensitive to air blasts. Bacterial penetration into the unprotected tubules was observed in Group 1, but not in Groups 2 and 3.