The Effect of Er,Cr:YSGG Laser Irradiation on the Push-Out Bond Strength of RealSeal Self-Etch Sealer

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an erbium, chromium: yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser on the push-out bond strength of RealSeal Self-Etch (SE) sealer. Background data: Various methods are used for smear layer removal in endodontics, such as the application of Er,Cr:YSGG lasers. This laser system may influence the bond strength of resin-based sealers. Methods: Sixty single-rooted extracted teeth were selected. After root canal preparation, samples were divided into two experimental groups and one positive control group (n=20 per group). In group 1, the smear layer was removed by irrigation with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). In group 2, the smear layer was removed using a 2.78m Er,Cr:YSGG laser with radial firing tips (RFT3) (parameters: 1.5W, 140s, 20Hz, and 15% water to 15% air ratio), moving at 2mm/sec in an apico-coronal direction. Group 3 served as a positive control group. Five specimens from each group were selected for scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation. The remaining 45 roots were obturated with RealSeal SE/Resilon and subjected to push-out tests. Data were analyzed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tamhane's test. Results: The results showed no significant difference between push-out bond strength of root canal fillings in the EDTA+NaOCl group and the 1.5W laser group (p>0.05). The positive control group showed the lowest push-out bond strength. Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate that the application of an Er,Cr:YSGG laser with radial firing tips did not adversely affect the push-out bond strength of RealSeal SE sealer to dentin.