Removal of superficial dentin surface to restore decreased bond strength caused by sodium hypochlorite

Objective: Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) decreases the bond strength of resin composite. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of antioxidant and superficial dentin surface removal on the microtensile bond strength of NaOCl-treated dentin. Materials and Methods: Twenty non-carious human third molars were used in this study. The dentin surfaces were treated with 5.25% NaOCl for 10 min, followed either by treatment with 10% ascorbic acid or superficial dentin surface removal. Two-step self-etch adhesive and resin composite were used for restoration. The bonded specimens were subjected to the microtensile bond strength test. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). Results: The bond strength after removal of the superficial dentin surface following NaOCl irrigation was similar to that in the control group. The group treated with 10% ascorbic acid demonstrated significantly higher bond strength than the other groups. Conclusion: NaOCl irrigation-induced reduction in dentin bond strength could be recovered by either treatment with 10% ascorbic acid or simple removal of the superficial dentin surface.