To perform effective restorative procedures with bonding technology requires absolute moisture control. Even the slightest contamination by blood or gingival fluid will ruin your bonding procedure.
For procedures such as bonding porcelain veneers or all-porcelain crowns, the use of retraction cord is almost imperative. But for that extra measure of assurance, use Superoxol (30% hydrogen peroxide). Retraction cord will not completely eliminate contamination of the operating field in every circumstance. Sometimes it appears that isolation has been achieved, and then the application of an etching solution or self-etching agent irritates the tissue enough that contamination occurs. Especially in cases where there is moderate gingival inflammation, bleeding or oozing of the tissue may occur in spite of the skillful use of retraction cord.
However, Superoxol, applied to the soft tissue, will nearly always eliminate any oozing or bleeding of that tissue for about ten minutes. While the mechanism of action of Superoxol on the soft tissue has not, to my knowledge, been thoroughly investigated, it appears that the concentrated hydrogen peroxide releases small oxygen bubbles in the tissues, occluding any vessels and thus preventing the oozing or bleeding. Some operators have theorized that the Superoxol “burns” the tissue, but this is not the case.
You may advocate the use of Superoxol immediately prior to applying the first etching or self-etching agent to the tooth whenever the bonding of porcelain veneers or all-porcelain crowns or onlays is attempted. Bleeding and oozing will be stopped for about ten minutes in all cases except when there is severe gingival inflammation. Superoxol use is also advisable for the placing of class V restorations and any composite bonding procedure where gingival oozing could threaten contamination of the bond.
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