Dental materials with antibacterial properties can prevent the harmful effects caused by oral cariogenic bacteria. This double-blind controlled clinical trial evaluated the performance of antibacterial cement for sealing infected dentin in atraumatic restorations of primary molars.

The study enrolled 45 children (45 teeth) between 5 and 8 years of age, of both genders, divided into two groups. In group A (GA; n=22), the cavities were lined with conventional glass ionomer cement (Vidrion F®) and in group B (GB; n=23), with antibacterial cement (Vidrion F® containing 1% each of metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and cefaclor). Both groups were restored with Ketac Molar Easymix®. Molars with carious lesions on the inner half of dentin without clinical or radiographic pulp damage were selected. Patients were evaluated clinically (for pain, fistulas, or mobility) and radiographically (area of caries, periapical region, and furcation of teeth) after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• signed consent from a parent or guardian;
• primary molars with carious lesions on the inner half of dentin;
• access of caries lesions to dentin spoons.

Exclusion Criteria:

• damaged pulp determined clinically (for pain, fistulas, tooth mobility);
• damaged pulp determined radiography (bone or dental pathology);
• children taking antibiotics;
• children who refused the treatment;
• children had systemic disease.