A comparative evaluation of the push-out bond strength of a resin-based sealer (AH Plus™) when two different intermediate irrigants are used, with and without a root canal brush: In vitro study

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the push-out bond strength (POBS) of a resin-based sealer (AH Plus™) when 95% isopropyl alcohol (IA) or 10% citric acid (CA) was used as an intermediate irrigant, with and without a Canal Brush™. Settings and Design: In vitro laboratory study. Subjects and Methods: After due processing, thirty human teeth were split into three main groups. As per the grouping, either 95% IA or 10% CA was used as intermediate irrigants. The control group used no intermediate irrigant. Each of these three groups was further split into two subgroups, each containing five samples. All the samples were subjected to cleaning and shaping with ProTaper rotary files (PTUN) up to size F2 using NaOCl and saline as the irrigants. The canals were then irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl during instrumentation and then were rinsed with an intermediate irrigant (either 95% IA or 10% CA) as per the specifications of that particular group. All the samples were then irrigated with Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHX) as the final irrigant and one subgroup from each main group was further cleansed with a canal brush. The discs were then subjected to assess the POBS using the universal testing machine. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was done using Tukey-Kramer's multiple comparison test, Student's unpaired t-test, and one-way ANOVA test. Results: The combined usage of CA with Canal Brush™ gave the highest (statistically significant) POBS value. The worst performers were the two subgroups in which no intermediate irrigant was used. The usage of IA and CA as intermediate irrigants did not lead to statistically significant results when no canal brush was used. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that the use of CA and IA with canal brush significantly increased the POBS of the resin-based sealer.