Comparative Evaluation of Sonic and Ultrasonic Activation of 3 Post Space Irrigants on Push-Out Bond Strength of Fiber Posts Luted With Dual-Cure Resin Cement: Protocol for an In Vitro Study

TL;DR

This study compares how sonic and ultrasonic activation of three irrigants affects the bond strength of fiber posts in dental restoration.

Contribution

The study introduces a comparative in vitro evaluation of sonic and ultrasonic activation methods for post-space irrigation in fiber post bonding.

Findings

17% EDTA and 5% calcium hypochlorite may yield higher bond strength under ultrasonic activation.

Saline is expected to show lower push-out bond strength compared to other irrigants.

Activation method and irrigant type are anticipated to significantly influence bond strength.

Abstract

For long-term longevity and proper function, endodontically treated teeth must be restored appropriately. Fiber posts luted with dual-cure resin cement are frequently used because of their improved biomechanical and adhesive properties. However, achieving a strong binding between the fiber post and root canal dentin is difficult due to the physical constraints of the root canal and the presence of a smear layer. Bond strength may be increased by post space irrigation with solutions, such as 5% calcium hypochlorite, 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and saline, that have been activated using sonic or ultrasonic techniques. This study compares the effects of several activation techniques on the push-out bond strength of fiber posts luted with dual-cure resin cement.

This study aims to evaluate how the push-out bond strength of dual-cure resin–cemented fiber posts in excised human mandibular single-rooted premolars is affected by the sonic and ultrasonic activation of 3 post space irrigants: 5% calcium hypochlorite, 17% EDTA, and saline.

A total of 120 single-rooted mandibular premolars will be used in this in vitro investigation. A standardized procedure will be used to decoronate, instrument, and obturate the teeth. One of the 3 solutions, activated either sonically or ultrasonically, will be used to prepare and irrigate post spaces. Dual-cure resin cement will then be used to lute the fiber posts. Using a universal testing machine, push-out bond strength will be measured. The Tukey post hoc test and ANOVA will be used for statistical analysis of the data.

Ethics approval for this study was obtained from the institutional ethics committee of Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research. The study is self-funded. Sample collection of extracted human mandibular premolars began in June 2025, and 68 specimens have been collected as of submission. Specimen preparation is ongoing, with data collection projected to be completed by October 2025. Data analysis is scheduled for November 2025, and results are expected to be published in early 2026. It is anticipated that irrigant type and activation method will influence push-out bond strength, with 17% EDTA and 5% calcium hypochlorite, particularly under ultrasonic activation, potentially yielding higher values than saline.

On the basis of previous literature, we expect that EDTA and calcium hypochlorite with ultrasonic activation may exhibit higher push-out bond strength.

DERR1-10.2196/76907