Effect of final irrigation protocols on push‐out bond strength of an epoxy resin root canal sealer to dentin

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different final irrigation protocols on push‐out bond strength of an epoxy resin root canal sealer to dentin. Eighty single‐rooted anterior teeth were used. The root canals were partially prepared using a rotary system and the final diameter was standardised using a #5 Gates‐Glidden drill prior to the push‐out bond test. During chemomechanical preparation, 5.25% NaOCl or 2% CHX gel was used. For smear layer removal, 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or QMix 2 in 1 was applied for 3 min. As final irrigant, 1 mL of NaOCl, CHX solution or distilled water was used. On conclusion of preparation, canals were filled with gutta‐percha/AH Plus sealer. Bond strength was measured by the push‐out test. Data were statistically analysed by Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U‐tests. The group NaOCl/EDTA/NaOCl showed significantly higher bond strength values than other groups. In all groups, there were mainly mixed failure patterns. It can be concluded that 5.25% NaOCl proved to be the best solution for the final irrigation when combined with EDTA. The final irrigation protocols affect the push‐out bond strength of AH Plus to dentin.