The Efficacy of Intracanal Calcium Hydroxide and Amoxicillin Containing Triple Antibiotic Paste on the Push Out Bond Strength of AH Plus BC Sealer – An Ex Vivo Study

Objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the effect of calcium hydroxide (CH) and amoxicillin containing triple antibiotic paste (TAP) on the push out bond strength of AH plus BC sealer at coronal, middle and apical third of the root. Materials and Methods: A total of 45 single rooted premolars were decoronated and instrumented by a Pro Taper rotary system up to F3. The samples were randomly divided into three groups according to the intracanal medicament used (n=15): Group A = No medicament, Group B = Calcium hydroxide and Group C = Amoxicillin containing Triple antibiotic paste. After three weeks of medicament placement, the specimens were irrigated by 10 mL 17% EDTA, followed by 10 mL 2.5% NaOCl and an ultimate flushing by 5 mL of distilled water. The samples were obturated using AH-Plus BC sealer and gutta-percha by single cone obturation technique. After obturation, 2 mm thick slices were obtained from three sections of the canal (coronal, middle, and apical). A push-out test was performed using universal testing machine to measure the bond strength between the root canal dentin and the sealer. Results: The push-out bond strength of AH Plus BC sealer was notably influenced by the type of intracanal medicament used. Bond strength was nearly twice as high following the application of Amoxicillin containing triple antibiotic paste (TAP) compared to calcium hydroxide (CH), and these results were independent of the position along the canal. Conclusions: Calcium hydroxide (CH) had no impact on the bond strength of the AH plus BC sealer. Furthermore, using Amoxicillin containing triple antibiotic paste (TAP) rather than calcium hydroxide (CH) enhances the bond strength of AH plus BC sealer throughout the root canal. Key words: Bond strength, AH plus BC sealer, calcium hydroxide, Amoxicillin containing triple antibiotic paste.