An investigation into the bond strength between a root canal sealer and root‐filling points

Summary. It is essential that a competent bond should exist between the gutta‐percha point used to obturate a prepared root canal and the scaler cement, in order to avoid the risks of both periapical leakage and possible disruption of the point during preparation of the tooth for a post crown. An experimental method was established whereby disruption between the two media could be examined. Shear tests were carried out using both smooth surfaced and sandblasted gutta‐percha points, and comparisons in their bond strengths were made. Statistical analysis showed that roughening the gutta‐percha points significantly improved the bond strength between point and sealer.