Effect of Boric Acid Versus Conventional Irrigation Solutions on the Bond Strength Between Fiber Post and Root Dentin

Purpose: To compare the effect of boric acid solutions of different percentages to conventional irrigation solutions on the adhesive bond strength between fiber posts and radicular dentin surface with different cement types. Materials and Methods: One hundred fifteen extracted human incisors were endodontically instrumented to a length of 14-15 mm, and 12-mm post spaces were prepared with specific drills. Cylindrical fiber posts (Panavia Post) were luted with two different composite cements (Panavia F 2.0, Panavia SA) and cut into 1-mm-thick slices. These specimens were randomly allocated to 5 groups according to the irrigant applied: 1. control, no irrigant; 2. 10 ml of 2% chlorhexidine; 3. 10 ml of 5.25% NaOCl for 5 min and 10 ml of 17% EDTA for 3 min; 4. 10 ml of 5% boric acid solution at a temperature of 55 degrees C for 60 s; 5. 10% boric acid solution, conditions as in group 4. Bond strength was determined using the push-out test. Microscopic assessment and SEM evaluations were performed in combination with push-out tests. Results: The push-out bond strengths of cervical segments were significantly higher than for the middle and apical segments in all groups. The type of irrigation solution used significantly affected the bond strengths of the posts. The 10% boric acid solution and EDTA + NaOCl irrigation solutions provided the highest bond strengths (p < 0.005). SEM analysis showed that the dentin tubules were open and the smear layer was completely removed when EDTA/NaOCl and 10% boric acid were used as irrigation agents. Conclusion: Boric acid solutions, especially at a concentration of 10%, can be a viable alternative to the conventional irrigants used during endodontic treatment. The extent to which the 10% boric acid solution successfully removed the smear layer and the ease of rinsing boric acid from the root surface are advantageous.