Effects of sodium hypochlorite on the bonding of composite resin

Objective: To determine if sodium hypochlorite has a detrimental effect when bonding composite resins.

Method: Thirty non-carious teeth were selected and sectioned horizontally at the occlusal 1/3 of the clinical crown.  The teeth were divided in three groups of ten specimens.  Group A was the control group.  Composite resin was bonded to the dentin surface using manufacture’s instruction.  Group B was treated for ten seconds with 6%sodium hypochlorite, and then composite resin was bonded to the dentin in the same fashion as Group A.  Group C was treated for twenty seconds with 6% sodium hypochlorite, and then composite resin was bonded to the dentin in the same fashion as Group A.  The specimens were stored in water for twenty-four hours then thermocycled for 1000 cycles at a temperature of 5 degrees C and 60 degrees C.  The specimens were shear tested until failure. 

Result: There was no statistical difference p greater than 0.05 among Group A, Group B and Group C using a one way ANOVA. 

Conclusion:  The study showed that there were no clinically significant deficiencies in bond strength when sodium hypochlorite was used prior to etching when using fourth generation bonding agents.