Effect of sodium hypochlorite on the bond strength of an adhesive system to superficial and deep dentin.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the bond strength to superficial (SU) and deep (D) dentin, accessed via apical (DA) or occlusal (DO), using One-Step adhesive system applied according to the manufacturer's instructions (C) or following deproteinization with 10% sodium hypochlorite (H) for 60s, after acid etching. Three sound extracted human molars were prepared for each experimental condition. Restorations were performed using Z100 in 2mm increments, each one being light-cured for 40s. Teeth were longitudinally sectioned to obtain stick-shaped specimens with a cross-sectional area of 0.8mm², which were submitted to bond strength test (0.6mm/min). Results obtained after statistical analysis using a two-way ANOVA (substrate vs. surface treatment) and Tukey's test were: SU (35.4 ± 12.3), DO (26.5 ± 8.5), DA (26.1 ± 10.2) following conventional surface treatment, and SU (28.82 ± 12.7), DO (24.3 ± 8.3) and DA (23.5 ± 8.5), after surface treatment using sodium hypochlorite. The interaction of the factors was not significant (p>0.05). However, the main factors were significant (p<0.05). Mean bond strength values in superficial dentin were statistically superior to deep dentin (p<0.05), although no statistically significant difference was observed between the two via of access to deep dentin (SU>DO=DA). The conventional surface treatment resulted in higher bond strength values than the sodium hypochlorite treatment (p<0.05). It was concluded: 1) bond strength values were higher in superficial dentin, 2) no difference was found between the two deep substrate preparations, and 3) the application of sodium hypochlorite following dentin acid etching may reduce bond strengths.