Effect of different methods for decontaminating tooth enamel after contact with blood before bonding orthodontic buttons.

PURPOSE To evaluate the best method for decontaminating tooth enamel contaminated by contact with blood before bonding orthodontic buttons. MATERIALS AND METHODS The labial surfaces of 195 bovine incisors initially received prophylaxis, followed by 37% phosphoric acid etching, adhesive application, and light polymerization. After this, the labial surfaces of all teeth were contaminated with blood. The teeth were then randomly divided into 13 groups (n = 15), comprising the control group (treated according to the manufacturer's recommendations) and 12 experimental groups treated by the following decontamination methods: group 1, no decontamination; group 2, washing with distilled water; group 3, washing with physiologic solution; group 4, jets of air; group 5, gauze; group 6, cotton wool; group 7, distilled water plus jets of air; group 8, distilled water plus gauze; group 9, distilled water plus cotton wool; group 10, physiologic solution plus jets of air; group 11, physiologic solution plus gauze; and group 12, physiologic solution plus cotton wool. RESULTS No statistical differences were shown between the control group and groups 4, 7, 10, and 11 (P > .05). The lowest bond strength values were shown in group 1, in which no decontamination was performed, and groups 6 and 12, which were decontaminated with cotton wool and physiologic solution plus cotton wool, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The best method of decontaminating enamel contaminated with blood is washing with physiologic solution, followed by drying with jets of air and gauze or drying with jets of air only.