Effect of hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate on biomechanical properties of human dentin

This study compared the ultimate tensile strength, micropunch shear strength, and microhardness of bleached and unbleached human dentin. Forty-four intact premolars were root canal treated and randomly divided into four groups. Bleaching agents were sealed in pulp chambers, as in clinical use. Group 1 (control) was treated with water, group 2 with 30% hydrogen peroxide, group 3 with sodium perborate mixed with water, and group 4 with sodium perborate mixed with 30% hydrogen peroxide. The teeth were stored in saline at 37 degrees C for 7 days. The teeth were then sectioned and biomechanical tests were carried out on dentin specimens that were obtained from all teeth. Intracoronal bleaching with 30% hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate used either alone or in combination weakened dentin. Hydrogen peroxide alone tended to be more damaging than sodium perborate used alone or sodium perborate mixed with hydrogen peroxide.