Effect of Dentin Pretreatment with Chlorhexidine on Push-Out Bond Strength of Composite Restorations in Severely Damaged Primary Anterior Teeth

Objectives: Achieving durable restorations with adequate strength in severely damaged primary anterior teeth in children is a priority. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dentin pretreatment with chlorhexidine on push-out bond strength of composite restorations. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, 56 extracted primary anterior teeth were randomly divided into 4 groups: (1) saline and total-etch bonding agent, (2) chlorhexidine and total-etch bonding agent, (3) saline and self-etch bonding agent, and (4) chlorhexidine and self-etch bonding agent. After the application of bonding agents, the post space was filled with Z250 composite resin. Following thermocycling of the samples, the push-out test was performed using a universal testing machine, and the results were analyzed with two-way ANOVA. Results: The mean push-out bond strength values in groups 1 to 4 were 5.7, 8.39, 5.35, and 7 MPa, respectively. Chlorhexidine groups had significant differences with saline groups in bond strength (P<0.05) but there was no statistically significant difference between the self-etch and total-etch bonding agents in the groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Both types of bonding agents (self-etch and total-etch) exhibited favorable results in radicular dentin of primary anterior teeth; however, pre-treatment with chlorhexidine increased the push-out bond strength of composite restorations in primary anterior teeth.