Influence of different root canal drying protocols on the bond strength of a bioceramic endodontic sealer

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different root canal drying protocols on the bond strength of a bioceramic sealer, in comparison with an epoxy resin-based sealer. Methodology: Sixty-six mandibular premolar teeth had their crowns sectioned and their canals prepared with Reciproc (VDW GmbH). Next, the roots were randomly distributed into three groups (n=22), according to the different drying protocols: absorbent paper points (G(pp)); irrigation with 95% ethanol and drying with paper points (G(95E)); and irrigation with 70% ethanol and aspiration with a 30-gauge needle (G(70E)). Each group was then redistributed into two subgroups (n=11), according to the sealer used in the single cone technique: Sealer Plus BC (MK Life) or AH Plus (Dentsply). After 7 days of obturation, the roots were sectioned into 1-mm thick slices and submitted to the push-out test. Bond strength was calculated (MPa) and data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test, complemented by Games-Howell post-hoc test and Mann-Whitney U test (alpha=5%). Results: There was no statistical difference among the drying protocols in the specimens filled with AH Plus, irrespective of the root third (P>0.05). For the Sealer Plus BC, no significant difference was observed for the drying protocols, however, there was statistical difference among the root thirds in G(95E) (P=0.017). When the sealers were compared to each other, no statistical difference was observed, regardless of the drying protocol evaluated: G(pp) (P=0.447), G(95E) (P=0.687) and G(70E) (P=0.132). Conclusions: The different drying protocols of the root canal did not influence the bond strength of both endodontic sealers.