Adverse effects of human pulps after direct pulp capping with the different components from a total-etch, three-step adhesive system

The objective was to evaluate the response of human pulps capped with different components from a total-etch three-step adhesive system. Direct pulp capping was performed in 25 caries-free human premolars scheduled for extraction due to orthodontic treatment. The teeth were randomly divided in five groups, and capped with the following materials: Group 1—acid+primer+adhesive were used as recommended; Group 2—only primer was applied; Group 3—only bonding resin (light-cured for 10 s); Group 4—only composite resin (light-cured for 40 s); Group 5—calcium hydroxide. After capping, all teeth were restored with ScotchBond Multi Purpose Plus and Z-100 was placed incrementally. After 60 days, the teeth were extracted and processed for light microscopic examination (H/E) according to a histological score system. These were subjected to non-parametric tests ( α