Bond strength at the cement/dentin interface according to protocols for final irrigation of post space

Aim: The aim was to evaluate the bond strength at the cement/dentin interface in the post space, after specimens were treated with different final irrigation protocols, followed by cementation with a dual resin cement. Methods: Forty-eight extracted uniradicular human premolars were divided into four groups according to the irrigation (n = 12): control with distilled water; 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) + ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); 2.5% NaOCl + passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI); and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX). The pull-out test was performed. The results were evaluated using ANOVA with Tukey’s paired comparisons, with a significance of 5%. Results: When all groups were compared, significant difference occurred (p = 0.006), and in the paired comparison, NaOCl + PUI and CHX differed (p = 0.005). The CHX showed significantly higher adhesive defects between cement and dentin than other groups. Conclusions: The final irrigation protocol for cleaning after preparation for post space directly influences the bond strength at the cement/dentin interface.