Coronal cavity pretreatment agents and restoration protocols effect on microleakage of endodontically treated teeth

Aims: The use of various cavity disinfectants and irrigants can influence the long-term success of restorations, thereby affecting the seal integrity of root canal treatments. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cavity cleansers and bonding protocols on the microleakage of resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) restorations in endodontically treated teeth. Methods: Eighty extracted, non-carious maxillary first molars were used. Standardized 4×4 mm access cavities were prepared, and root canals were instrumented and obturated using the lateral condensation technique. The teeth were divided into eight groups according to the surface pretreatment protocol: no pretreatment, Cavity Conditioner, Dentin Conditioner, and Triton application, and then restored with RMGIC with and without an adhesive. After thermocycling, specimens were immersed in 0.5% basic fuchsin. Dye penetration was evaluated under a stereomicroscope (×40) using a 0–3 scoring system. Data were analyzed using ordinal logistic regression with pretreatment and bonding as fixed factors. Effect sizes were expressed as odds ratios (95% CI). Group comparisons were performed with the Kruskal–Wallis test (Holm-adjusted, α=0.05) using RStudio (v2025.09.1+401). Results: Microleakage scores varied significantly among groups (p