Effect of Chlorhexidine and Ethanol Application on Long-term Push-out Bond Strength of Fiber Posts to Dentin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chlorhexidine and ethanol application on the push-out bond strength and bond durability of fiber posts cemented with an etch-and-rinse adhesive system/resin cement to intraradicular dentin.

Fifty-four bovine roots were shaped for the cementation of a fiberglass post and received the application of 37% phosphoric acid. They were then randomly divided into three groups, according to the type of dentin treatment (n = 18) performed: no treatment (control group), 100% ethanol, or 2% chlorhexidine. Next, the adhesive system (Adper Scotch Bond Multipurpose Plus, 3M ESPE) was applied to the dentin, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Glass fiber posts were cemented with dual resin cement (Rely X ARC, 3M ESPE). After 48 hours, the specimens were serially sectioned for push-out test analysis, providing two slices from each root third (cervical, medium and apical), one of which was tested immediately and the other stored in distilled water for 180 days. The data were analyzed with three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures and Tukey's test at a 5% significance level.

Intraradicular treatment with chlorhexidine yielded the highest bond strength means, followed by ethanol treatment. The control group presented the lowest bond strength means. Water storage exerted no effect on bond strength values.

Both chlorhexidine and ethanol improved push-out bond strength to intraradicular dentin, with the former providing the best results, regardless of the storage time.

The application of 2% chlorhexidine or 100% ethanol may be an important step that can be taken to enhance bond strength of fiber posts to intraradicular dentin, when dual resin cements are used.