Adhesion of root canal sealers to bovine dentine and gutta-percha

The adhesive properties of eight root canal sealers, applied as a thin layer between a dentine and a gutta-percha surface, were investigated. Tensile bond strengths ranged from 0.02 MPa (Sealpex) to 2.38 MPa (AH26). Inspection of fractured surfaces indicated failure of adhesion to dentine (Tubli-Seal) and to gutta-percha (AH26, Diaket) as well as failure of cohesion (CRCS, Kloroperka N-O, ProcoSol, rosin chloroform, Sealapex). Pretreatment of the dentine surface with EDTA caused a significant increase in bond strength for ProcoSol, rosin chloroform, Sealapex, and Tubli-Seal.