Abstract
CONTEXT: Different levels of residual moisture in the root canal have shown to affect the sealing properties of resin-based and calcium silicate based sealers. AIM: This study was aimed to compare the effect of different root canal drying techniques on the push-out bond strength (PBS) of AH Plus and Ceraseal sealer. METHODOLOGY: Sixty-four single rooted premolars were decoronated and subjected to biomechanical preparation with a ProTaper Gold rotary file up to size F2 and were divided into two groups based on the type of sealer used: Group A: AH Plus, and Group B: Ceraseal. Each group was further subdivided into four subgroups based on the different drying techniques using paper point, ethanol, air vacuum, and control. Samples were obturated and were tested for PBS using the universal testing machine. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data were statistically evaluated using the one-way ANOVA test and Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS: The ceraseal sealer group with drying technique using paper point was found to have the highest push-out strength, and the AH Plus sealer group (control) was found to have the lowest PBS. CONCLUSION: Canal drying technique using paper point for the ceraseal sealer group and 95% ethanol for the AH Plus sealer group were found to have improved adhesion to the root dentin.