comparison of push-out bond strength of gutta-percha to root canal dentin in single-cone and cold lateral compaction techniques with ah plus sealer in mandibular premolars

background and aims. the single-cone technique has gained some popularity in some european countries. the aim of the present study was to compare the push-out bond strength of gutta-percha to root canal dentin with the single-cone and cold lateral compaction canal obturation techniques. materials and methods. the root canals of 58 human mandibular premolars were prepared using modified crown-down technique with protaper rotary files up to #f3 as a master apical file (maf) and divided randomly into groups a and b based on canal obturation technique. in group a (n = 29) the root canals were obturated with single-cone technique with #f3 (30/.09) protaper gutta-percha, which was matched with maf in relation to diameter, taper and manufacturer; in group b (n = 29) the canals were obturated with gutta-percha using cold lateral compaction technique. in both groups ah plus sealer were used. after two weeks of incubation, three 2-mm slices were prepared at a distance of 2 mm from the coronal surface and push-out test was carried out. data were analyzed with descriptive statistics using independent samples t-test. results. there were statistically significant differences between two groups. the mean push-out bond strength was higher in group b (lateral compaction technique) compared to group a (single-cone technique; p < 0.05). conclusion. use of single-cone technique for obturation of root canals resulted in a lower bond strength compared to cold lateral compaction technique.