Evaluation of Pushout Bond Strength between Two Herbal Modified Zinc Oxide Eugenol Sealers – An Invitro Study

Background: Successful endodontic treatment depends on effective obturation and adequate restoration of the treated tooth. Fiber posts are commonly used to restore structurally compromised teeth; however, their retention depends largely on the quality of bonding between the post, resin cement, and root dentin. Eugenol-containing zinc oxide–eugenol (ZOE) sealers may interfere with resin polymerization and adversely affect post retention. Natural antioxidant-rich materials such as Punica granatum and Phyllanthus emblica have therefore been investigated as potential modifiers of ZOE sealers. Aim and Objectives: To evaluate and compare the push-out bond strength of fiber posts placed in root canals obturated with conventional ZOE sealer, ZOE sealer modified with Punica granatum powder, ZOE sealer modified with Phyllanthus emblica powder, and AH Plus sealer. Methodology: Eighty extracted permanent single-rooted anterior teeth were randomly divided into four groups (n=20). Group I received conventional ZOE sealer, Group II received ZOE sealer modified with Punica granatum powder, Group III received ZOE sealer modified with Phyllanthus emblica powder, and Group IV received AH Plus sealer. Root canals were prepared and obturated, followed by post-space preparation and cementation of 1.0-mm fiber posts using dual-cure resin cement. Each root was sectioned into coronal, middle, and apical 2-mm slices, and push-out bond strength was evaluated using a universal testing machine. Results: AH Plus demonstrated the highest push-out bond strength among the four groups. The Punica granatum- and Phyllanthus emblica-modified ZOE groups showed higher mean bond strength than conventional ZOE; however, the differences were not statistically significant. Bond strength was generally higher in the coronal third than in the middle and apical thirds. Conclusion: AH Plus demonstrated the most favorable push-out bond strength among the tested sealers. Although incorporation of Punica granatum and Phyllanthus emblica powders into ZOE sealer showed a numerical improvement compared with conventional ZOE, the improvement was not statistically significant. Further studies are required to optimize the formulation and assess the clinical applicability of these natural modifications.