Comparative evaluation of push-out bond strength of three retrograde filling materials in teeth with root apices resected at 90°: Mineral trioxide aggregate Angelus, Zirconomer, and Bioactive bone cement

BACKGROUND: Surgical endodontic dissatisfaction is frequently caused by an inadequate seal at the apex. The retrograde filling material utilized should prevent any contaminants from seeping into the periradicular tissue. AIM: (1) To evaluate push-out bond strength of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Angelus, Zirconomer, and Bioactive bone cement as root-end filling material, (2) To compare push-out bond strength of three different retrograde filling materials with a universal testing machine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At the cementoenamel junction, 36 removed upper anterior teeth were sliced horizontally. The samples were resected 3 mm at the apical end at a 90° angle along the long axis of the tooth, following the standard protocols. With an ultrasonic tip S12 90ND, a 3 mm root-end cavity was made. The teeth were then divided into three groups at random: Group 1: MTA Angelus, Group 2: Zirconomer, and Group 3: Bioactive bone cement. With the help of small pluggers, each material was compacted in the root-end cavity. Acrylic resin was used to embed the specimens. Each specimen's apical section was sliced into 2-mm thick slices perpendicular to the long axis. A universal testing equipment was used to apply a compressive push-out load, and the push-out bond strength was determined in megapascals. RESULTS: Zirconomer showed higher push-out bond strength when placed in the retrograde cavity preparation, followed by MTA Angelus and then Bioactive bone cement. CONCLUSION: Zirconomer showed superior resistance to dislodgment when compared to MTA Angelus, followed by Bioactive bone cement.