Adhesion and sealing of different universal adhesive systems associated with bulk-fill resins after using endodontic irrigation solutions: An in vitro study

This study aimed to evaluate the interface of universal adhesive (UA) with bulk-fill resin (BF) and dentin, after endodontic irrigation. The pulp chamber of 96 molars was irrigated with chlorhexidine 2% (CHX) or sodium hypochlorite 5.25% (NaOCl) and restored according to three restorative protocols. Microtensile bond strength (μTBS) and nanoleakage tests were performed after 24 h of thermocycling. Kruskal Wallis, Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon were performed (p < 0.05). Comparing restorative systems, a difference was found only when irrigated with CHX after 24 h. CHX provided higher μTBS than NaOCl after 24 h for two restorative protocols; after thermocycling, NaOCl provided the greatest μTBS than CHX for one group. Decreased μTBS was observed for all restorative systems when CHX was used after thermocycling. NaOCl demonstrated the highest nanoleakage. The composition of UA influenced the immediate adhesion and sealing to BF when CHX was used; ageing has a deteriorating effect on adhesion and sealing for all restorative systems.