Can the hydrogel form of sodium ascorbate be used to reverse compromised resin infiltrant penetration after bleaching?

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an antioxidant on the bleaching-induced reduction in the penetration depth of infiltrant resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: White spot lesions (WSLs) were created on 105 bovine tooth samples, each measuring 6 x 4 x 4 mm. Five samples were randomly selected for the examination of lesion characteristics. The remaining 100 samples were then divided into four groups (n = 25). In Group I, the WSLs were treated with resin infiltration (RI) only. RI was performed on Group II immediately after bleaching. In Group III, an antioxidant was applied for 2 h after bleaching, and this was immediately followed by RI. The Group IV samples were treated with RI at the end of a 1-week waiting period after bleaching. The penetration depths were evaluated through confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS: The lowest penetration rate, which was approximately 57%, was observed in Group II. This was followed by Group III (87%), Group IV (90%), and Group I (92%). Group II, in which the samples were infiltrated immediately after bleaching, had the lowest mean penetration percentage. All the bleached groups exhibited significantly lower penetration percentages than the nonbleached group (Group I) (P < 0.05). Antioxidant application increased the penetration significantly (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Application of sodium ascorbate was found to reverse the reduced resin penetration depth and penetration percentages resulting from bleaching. The postponement of adhesive procedures after bleaching yielded similar results.