Effect of intracanal calcium hydroxide dressing on the push out bond strength of AH Plus, MTA Fillapex®, and endosequence BC sealer

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to compare the effect of intracanal calcium hydroxide dressing on the push-out bond strength of AH Plus, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Fillapex®, and endosequence BC sealer. Methodology: Sixty single-rooted human mandibular premolars were decoronated and subjected to biomechanical preparation with the help of a ProTaper rotary file up to size F2. Half of the samples worked as control and the other half that worked as experimental group was treated with calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament. All the samples were divided into three groups (n = 20), according to the sealer used. The samples were obturated using endosequence BC sealer, AH Plus, and MTA Fillapex. Each sample was sectioned horizontally into three parts: cervical, middle, and apical. The sample so prepared was subjected to universal testing machine for the evaluation of the push-out bond strength of the sealers. Results: Endosequence BC sealer showed the best results, followed by AH Plus sealer and MTA Fillapex sealer. In addition, the push-out bond strength decreased significantly after the use of intracanal calcium hydroxide medicament (ApexCal). Push-out bond strength also decreased from cervical to middle followed by apical third. Conclusion: Calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament dressing reduced the push out bond strength of all the three sealers used in the study.