Effect of the cavity disinfectant containing chitosan on dentin bonding strength after radiotherapy

This study aimed to compare the bond strength of teeth treated with radiotherapy with two cavity disinfectants (Chlorhexidine gluconate, a chitosan-containing agent).

Eighteen newly extracted, non-carious human third molar teeth were used. The teeth were randomly divided into two main groups, treated and/or non-treated with radiotherapy, then separated into three subgroups for disinfectant agent application (CHX, chitosan, control). A total dose of 70.2 Gy was given over 39 days using a linear radiation accelerator for radiotherapy. After applying the cavity disinfectant, the teeth were restored with composite resin to obtain the stick. All bond strength values from sticks were measured using a universal testing machine. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and Chi-square test at a p < 0.05.

Among all groups, Group CH, with no radiotherapy application and containing a chitosan-disinfectant agent, showed the highest bond strength (44.7 ± 8.2). In contrast, Group RC with radiotherapy and disinfectant-free showed the lowest bond strength value (29.1 ± 3.5). The highest bond strength values were obtained after applying the chitosan-containing agent in all groups.

Radiotherapy application had a negative effect, while the use of disinfectant agents had a positive effect on the bond strength.