Effect of calcium hydroxide dressing on microleakage of composite restorations in endodontically treated teeth subsequent to bleaching

Objective: This study evaluates the effect of calcium hydroxide dressing on microleakage of composite restorations following non-vital bleaching. Methods: A total of 45 sound extracted human maxillary central incisors underwent endodontic treatment. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups (n=15). In group 1, access cavities were restored with composite. In group 2, the teeth underwent a bleaching procedure for one week before being restored with composite. In group 3, following a bleaching procedure, calcium hydroxide paste was placed in the pulp chamber for one week. The teeth were then restored with composite. The specimens were subjected to a dye leakage test. The data was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: There were significant differences between the groups (P<0.0005). No statistically significant differences were found between groups 2 and 3, while the differences between other groups were significant. Conclusions: The bleaching agent increased microleakage of composite restorations in non-vital bleaching, whereas microleakage was not found to be increased by calcium hydroxide.