Comparative evaluation of different concentrations of fulvic acid on pushout bond strength of bioceramic sealer – An ex vivo study

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the pushout bond strength of a bioceramic sealer to root canal dentin after using different final chelating agents: 0.2% chitosan, 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 5% fulvic acid, 8% fulvic acid, and 10% fulvic acid. Methods: Forty-eight single-rooted single canal teeth were prepared and divided into six groups based on final irrigation: 17% EDTA, distilled water, 0.2% chitosan, 5%, 8%, and 10% fulvic acid. Canals were obturated with gutta-percha and CeraSeal sealer. After incubation, 2 mm slices from coronal, middle, and apical thirds were subjected to pushout bond strength testing. Results: Eight percent fulvic acid showed the highest bond strength, followed by 0.2% chitosan, 17% EDTA, 5% fulvic acid, 10% fulvic acid, and distilled water. 0.2% chitosan showed significantly higher bond strength in the middle and apical thirds and comparable performance to EDTA in the coronal third. Five percent and ten percent fulvic acid had lower bond strength than both chitosan and EDTA, whereas distilled water consistently showed the lowest bond strength. Conclusion: Eight percent fulvic acid was the most effective irrigant, providing superior and consistent bond strength across all root levels.