Evaluation of Er:YAG laser and EDTAC on dentin adhesion of six endodontic sealers

The effect of Er:YAG laser application and EDTAC on the adhesion of epoxy resin-based endodontic sealers to human dentin was evaluated in vitro. A total of 99 extracted human maxillary molars with their crowns worn flat were used. The teeth were divided into 3 groups: group 1, the dentin surface received no treatment; group 2, EDTAC was applied to the dentin surface for 5 min; group 3, the dentin surface received Er:YAG laser application (2.25 W potency; 11 mm focal distance; 4 Hz frequency; 200 mJ energy; 62 J total energy; 313 mean impulse). Three teeth from each group were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy for changes in dentin surface. The epoxy resin root canal sealers used were: AH Plus, Topseal, Sealer 26, AH 26, and Sealer Plus. The zinc oxide eugenol-based sealer Fillcanal was used as control. Adhesion was measured with a Universal testing machine. The results showed a statistically significant difference at the level of 1% among the dentin treatments. The dentin treated with Er:YAG laser showed greater adhesion with the sealers than dentin treated with EDTAC which was greater than dentin that received no treatment. The Tukey test showed the formation of 5 groups in decreasing order of adhesion: AH Plus, Topseal and Sealer 26, AH 26, Sealer Plus, and Fillcanal (Grossman cement).