The effects of phosphoric acid, sodium hypochlorite, ferric oxalate and Scotchbond Multipurpose on the rate of pressure change across dentine: a laboratory study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the consequences of dentine treatment on dentine permeability of crown preparations treated with phosphoric acid, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), and then ferric oxalate (Sensodyne sealant) or bis-phenol-A-diglycidyldimethacrylate (BIS-GMA) and hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) resin combination (Scotchbond Multipurpose). Thirty human premolars received full crown preparations (stage A), were then acid etched (stage B) and subsequently the pulp chamber flushed with NaOCl (stage C). They were then randomly assigned to two groups: group 1 was treated with Scotchbond Multipurpose and group 2 with 6% ferric oxalate (Sensodyne sealant) (stage D). Both groups were acid etched a second time (stage E) as the final step in the sequence. The rise in pressure in the pulp chamber because of the transmission of saline from the pressure chamber through cut dentine was recorded by a pressure transducer after each of the stages described (A to E). The mean rate of pressure change across dentine (Pa s(-1)) for each measurement point (A to E) (n = 30) were A = 2.3; B = 9.8; C = 16; D = 2.1; E = 3.1. Acid etching and NaOCl were both effective in producing significant increases in the rate of pressure change across dentine (P < 0.05). Sensodyne sealant and Scotchbond Multipurpose are both effective dentine sealants and there is no significant difference (P > 0.05) in their abilities in sealing dentine. Acid etching-sealed dentine produced a significant increase in the rate of pressure change across dentine (P < 0.05). The sealing of dentine appears to be a sensible consideration following crown preparations on vital teeth.