The effect of the use of chlorhexidine, ozonated water and propolis as cavity disinfectant on the bond strength of compomer in primary teeth: In vitro study

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of chlorhexidine, propolis, and ozone water—used as cavity disinfectants—on the bond strength of compomer in primary teeth. A total of four groups, each consisting of 13 specimens, were formed. The first group served as the control group; chlorhexidine was applied in the second group, propolis in the third, and ozone water in the fourth. All samples were subjected to 10,000 thermal cycles between 5°C and 55°C to simulate intraoral temperature changes, which corresponds to approximately one year of clinical service. Following thermocycling, the bond strength of the compomer material was measured using shear bond strength tests. The findings of this study revealed that the use of chlorhexidine, ozonated water, and propolis as cavity disinfectants did not produce any statistically significant difference in the bond strength of compomer to primary dentin (p>0.05). However, notable variations were observed in the distribution of fracture types among the groups. The predominance of adhesive failures in the propolis group and mixed failures in the chlorhexidine and ozonated water groups suggests that bond strength values are not always directly correlated with fracture patterns. Overall, all tested disinfectants demonstrated clinically acceptable compatibility with compomer material, indicating their safe use in the restorative treatment of primary teeth. Moreover, as a natural and biocompatible agent, propolis may serve as a promising eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical disinfectants, offering lower toxicity and higher biological harmony for future pediatric dental applications.