Influence of post space disinfection protocols on the push-out bond strength of fiber posts luted with self-adhesive cement

Optimizing the radicular dentin surface for adhesion while maintaining a microbe-free environment is critical for the long-term success of post-restored teeth. Accidental reinfection during post cementation highlights the importance of effective root canal disinfection. This study evaluated the effect of post space disinfection protocols on push-out bond strength of fiber posts cemented with self-adhesive cement (SARC). Sixty endodontically treated single-rooted premolars were randomly assigned to six disinfection groups (n = 10): saline control (C), BioPure MTAD (BMT), Q-Mix (QM), Chlor-XTRA (CX), MD Cleanser (MDC), and ethanol (ETH). Following post space preparation and disinfection, fiber posts were cemented with SARC. After thermal cycling, specimens were sectioned into 2 mm slices (coronal, middle, and apical) and subjected to push-out testing. Failure modes were assessed by electron microscopy, and data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (α = 0.05). The MD Cleanser group demonstrated the highest push-out bond strength, followed by Chlor-XTRA, with statistically significant differences observed among all groups (p < 0.001). Proprietary irrigants containing surfactants (BioPure MTAD and Q-Mix) yielded significantly superior bond strength compared to the saline control (p < 0.001). Conversely, ethanol irrigation resulted in significantly lower values (p < 0.001). Coronal and middle segments exhibited superior bond strength compared to apical segments, with adhesive failures predominating. The findings indicate that post space disinfection with surface-active agents enhances fiber post retention, with MD Cleanser providing optimal results.