Influence of diode laser irradiation on the push-out bond strength of various intraorifice barrier materials in root canal-treated teeth: An in vitro analysis

Abstract Background: Endodontically treated teeth have lower fracture resistance compared to intact teeth due to loss of tooth structure by instrumentation. Apart from the pericervical dentin, the adaptation and adhesion of the intraorifice barriers to the dentin also play a vital role in reinforcement. Diode laser irradiation causes smear layer removal and alters the dentin–intraorifice enhancing adaptation to the dentin. Aim: To compare the push-out bond strength of four intra-orifice barrier materials – Biodentine, Tetric-N-Flow, Cention N, and MTA with and without laser activation. Materials and Methods: Fifty-six extracted human mandibular premolars were decoronated at a distance of 13 mm. After instrumentation up to F4 and obturation, 3.5 mm of gutta-percha was removed using hand pluggers to make space for an intraorifice barrier. Two groups were made: one with diode laser irradiation and one without it. This area was filled with intraorifice barrier materials. Horizontal sections 3.5 mm thick were made from the coronal third of the root. The specimens were tested using a universal testing machine. Statistical Analysis: Microsoft Excel 2024 was used to arrange the data, and GraphPad Prism for Windows, Version 10.1.2, was used for statistical analysis. Results: Cention N exhibited the highest mean push-out bond strength, followed by Biodentine, Tetric N-Flow, and MTA, under both irradiation conditions. Conclusion: Laser pretreatment increases the push-out bond strength of the intraorifice barrier in endodontically treated teeth.