The Effect of Different Cavity Disinfectants on the Bond Strength of Restorative Materials in Primary Teeth

Improving the longevity of restorative materials requires efficient cavity cleaning. It is especially crucial to comprehend how various cavity disinfectants affect the binding strength of restorative materials in primary teeth, where caries advancement happens quickly.

This in vitro study examined the effects of three cavity disinfectants on the bond strength of restorative materials in primary teeth: 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF), 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate. Four groups were randomly selected from among 60 removed primary molars with standardized class I cavities: the control group (no disinfectant), the chlorhexidine group, the sodium hypochlorite group, and the SDF group. Composite resin was used to repair cavities after the specified disinfectants were applied. A universal testing equipment was used to assess the bond strength at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey's tests were used for statistical analysis, with significance set at α = 0.05.

The control group had a mean bond strength (MPa) of 12.5 ± 1.8, followed by the chlorhexidine group (15.3 ± 2.0), the sodium hypochlorite group (14.1 ± 1.7), and the SDF group (9.8 ± 1.5). SDF had the lowest bond strength (P < 0.01), whereas chlorhexidine had the strongest, far outperforming the control group (P < 0.01). Additionally, sodium hypochlorite showed a significant improvement over the control group (P < 0.05).

When compared to sodium hypochlorite and SDF, chlorhexidine gluconate significantly increased the binding strength of restorative materials in primary teeth. Despite the decreased binding strength, SDF's antibacterial qualities point to possible therapeutic uses that merit more research. When choosing a cavity disinfectant, one should carefully consider both the product's antibacterial properties and its impact on bond strength.