Influence of Acidic Environmental Conditions on Push-Out Bonding Strength of Four Calcium Silicate-Based Materials to Root Dentin

INTRODUCTION: Calcium silicate-based cements (CSCs) are frequently used in various endodontic procedures such as perforation repair, vital pulp therapy, regenerative treatments, or apexification. One of their areas of use, treatment of perforations, can be challenging in clinical practice. Selection of stable, durable, and compatible material with structural and biological alterations is a must in such situations. AIM: This study aimed to compare the dislocation resistance of various calcium-silicate-containing materials used in endodontic treatment exposed to various environmental conditions in a push-out study model. METHODS: Selected ninety-six human mandibular premolars with single root canals were cut from the middle portion to obtain dentin slices of 2 mm thickness (n = 192). Then, the canal lumen was enlarged by using #4Gates-Glidden drills. Specimens for each repair material (MTA, Angelus, Endosequence RRM (ERRM), Biodentine, BioMTA) were placed in shaped lumens, wrapped in pieces of gauze, and randomly divided into four groups (n = 48) according to the storage time and media: group A: 4 days in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), group B: 4 days in acetic acid (pH = 4.4), group C: 34 days in PBS, and group D: 4 days in acetic acid (pH = 4.4) followed by exposure to PBS for 30 days. A universal testing machine measured the dislodgement resistance followed by scanning electron microscopy imaging to evaluate the material-dentin interface. RESULTS: ERRM showed the highest dislocation resistance in all test groups (p < 0.05). The greatest bonding strength was observed (13,54 ± 5,56 MPa) after exposure to 34 days in PBS (pH = 7.2). The values for ERRM decreased in contact with acetic acid (pH = 4.4) and increased when placed in PBS (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: All repair materials showed a higher dislocation resistance when stored in PBS regardless of storage time. However, the improved pH of the surrounding media was not successful in reversing the deteriorating effect caused by lower pH in relation to dislocation resistance in all tested materials except for ERRM.