The effects of different cavity disinfectants on fracture resistance of tooth fragment reattachments

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the fracture strength of reattached tooth fragments after different cavity disinfection protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Incisal edges of 144 bovine incisors were sectioned and then randomly divided into 4 different groups as follows: Group C: no disinfectant; Group NaOCl: 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution; Group NaOCl+Asc: 2.5% sodium hypochlorite followed by 10% ascorbic acid solution; Group CHX: 2% chlorhexidine solution. Teeth were further divided into 3 subgroups according to universal adhesive (G-Premio Bond, Scotchbond Universal, Prime and Bond Universal). Fracture resistance was evaluated using a universal testing machine. Data was analyzed using 2-way ANOVA with Bonferroni tests. RESULTS: Cavity disinfectant had a statistically significant effect on bond strength (p<0.05), with the highest bond strength detected in the NaOCl+Asc Group (148.22 ± 51.64) and the lowest in the NaOCl Group (112.84 ± 43.12). Scotchbond Universal exhibited the highest bond strength values (163.59 ± 49.94); however, there were no significant differences between the other adhesive systems (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: Application of ascorbic acid following sodium hypochlorite treatment can improve dentin bond strength.