Push-out Bond Strength of RealSeal SE and AH Plus after Using Different Irrigation Solutions

Introduction: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of different endodontic irrigants (sodium hypochlorite [NaOCl], chlorhexidine [CHX], and EDTA) on the push-out bond strength of the obturation materials RealSeal SE (SybronEndo, Orange, CA) and AH Plus (Dentsply International Inc, York, PA). Methods: Two hundred human root canals were prepared and divided into 2 groups according to the filling material (RealSeal SE vs AH Plus). Each group was subdivided into 5 groups according to the irrigation protocol (0.9% saline [control], 3% NaOCl, 3% NaOCl with saline, 17% EDTA, and 2% CHX). After obturation, roots were sliced into 1-mm discs for push-out assessment. Compressive loading was performed using an universal testing machine at a speed of 0.5 mm/min. Two-way analysis of variance and the Kruskal-Wallis test were performed for pair-wise comparisons to assess the differences between the experimental groups. Results: AH Plus exhibited a significantly higher bond strength than RealSeal SE (mean = 2.53 and 1.53 MPa, respectively; P < .05), except with saline alone (P > .05). Within the AH Plus groups, no significant differences existed between the irrigants and saline alone (P > .05). The bond strength of RealSeal SE with saline alone or with NaOCl and saline did not differ from that of AH Plus with saline alone (P > .05). However, the push-out bond strength of RealSeal SE decreased by approximately half (P < .05 compared with RealSeal SE with saline alone) after rinsing with NaOCl alone, EDTA, or CHX. Conclusions: The bond strength of RealSeal SE is highly influenced by the irrigant used.