Question

Cullen, Wealleans, Kirkpatrick (2015) studied the effect of 8.25% sodium hypochlorite on dental pulp dissolution and dentin flexural strength and modulus. Which of the following statements is likely to be true based on their findings?

a) Higher concentration of sodium hypochlorite leads to increased dentin flexural strength
b) Sodium hypochlorite has no effect on dental pulp dissolution
c) Higher concentration of sodium hypochlorite leads to increased dental pulp dissolution
d) Sodium hypochlorite strengthens both dentin and dental pulp

Answer 1

Higher concentrations of sodium hypochlorite are associated with increased dental pulp dissolution but can decrease dentin strength, making option (c) the correct statement from the study's findings.

Step-by-step explanation:

c) Higher concentration of sodium hypochlorite leads to increased dental pulp dissolution Based on the study by Cullen, Wealleans, and Kirkpatrick (2015), the statement that is likely to be true is (c) Higher concentration of sodium hypochlorite leads to increased dental pulp dissolution. Sodium hypochlorite is used in dentistry as an irrigating solution during root canal treatments and is known for its ability to dissolve organic tissue such as dental pulp. However, it is also known that high concentrations of sodium hypochlorite can cause a reduction in the flexural strength and modulus of dentin, which contraindicates the statements that would suggest the strengthening of dentin and dental pulp.

Based on the study by Cullen, Wealleans, and Kirkpatrick (2015), the likely true statement is that higher concentration of sodium hypochlorite leads to increased dental pulp dissolution. Their research focused on the effect of 8.25% sodium hypochlorite on dental pulp dissolution and dentin flexural strength and modulus. The findings suggest that a higher concentration of sodium hypochlorite increases the dissolution of dental pulp.