Effect of diode laser and ultrasonic activation on post-obturation push-out bond strength of non-eugenol based sealers: An in vitro study

Aim: The study aimed to assess the postobturation push-out bond strength of noneugenol-based sealers among different activation groups. Methods: One hundred sixteen single-rooted extracted mandibular premolar teeth were obtained. They were split into six groups-Group I: conventional cleaning and shaping (CCS) and sealing with AH Plus; Group II: CCS with MTA Fillapex; Group III: diode laser group with AH Plus; Group IV: diode laser group with MTA Fillapex; Group V: ultrasonic activation group with AH Plus; and Group VI: ultrasonic activation group with MTA Fillapex. Coronal and apical horizontal root sections were obtained from each sample and subjected to push-out bond strength. An independent t-test was done to compare the two groups of sealers. Results: A comparison of the irrigation activation in each sealer group was made using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey test. A comparison of the coronal and apical groups was made by paired t-test. Both the sealers exhibited higher push-out bond strength values after ultrasonic irrigation in the apical section. Higher values were obtained when AH Plus sealer was used. Push-out bond strength tests between MTA Fillapex and AH Plus with various irrigation activation regimes revealed that AH Plus had a stronger bond to the root dentin when combined with ultrasonic activation in the apical third of the root dentin. Conclusion: The study concluded that the higher values of push-out bond strength were noted in the AH Plus sealer group in the ultrasonic activation group in the apical root dentin section.