Evaluation of hydroxyl radical diffusion and acidified thiourea as a scavenger during intracoronal bleaching

Abstract

Introduction The diffusion of hydroxyl radicals in intracoronal bleaching is associated with a risk of invasive cervical resorption. The use of acidified thiourea has been recommended as a scavenger of residual radicals generated during intracoronal bleaching. The aims of this study were to quantify hydroxyl radical diffusion to external root surfaces after intracoronal bleaching with commonly used materials and to evaluate the effect of using acidified thiourea with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on hydroxyl radical diffusion. Methods Eighty-two human premolars were prepared, stained, root filled, and allocated to experimental and control groups as follows: group 1: sodium perborate (SP) and water (n = 21), group 2: H2O2 (n = 21), group 3: acidified thiourea and H2O2 (n = 21), group 4: neutral thiourea and H2O2 (n = 10), control group 1: negative control (water) (n = 10), and control group 2: positive control (SP and H2O2) (n = 10). Materials were placed into the pulp chamber, sealed, and placed in 5 mmol/L terephthalic acid at 37°C for 48 hours. Hydroxyl radicals were quantified using a fluorescence microplate reader and high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Results The H2O2 and SP mixture resulted in the greatest hydroxyl radical diffusion and was significantly greater than SP and water (P