Comparison of titanium dowel retention using four different luting agents

The effect of ascorbic acid, QMix and other conditioning solutions on the bond strength of adhesively luted glass fiber-reinforced composite posts to root dentin, a laboratory study

PURPOSE

This study was designed to investigate the effect of post space conditioning with different solutions on the bond strength of glass FRC posts and evaluate the mode of resin failure.

METHODS

Sixty extracted human single rooted teeth were root filled using a resin sealer and suitable gutta-percha cones. Post spaces were prepared, and the teeth randomly allocated into 5 groups according to their irrigation regimens which included the following solutions: 17 % EDTA, 2 % CHX, 3 % NaOCl, 10 % ascorbic acid and QMix solutions. Post spaces were irrigated with 5 ml of the solution for 15 s and subsequently washed with distilled water and dried with paper points. Glass FRC posts were cemented into their spaces using a self-adhesive resin cement. The specimens were mounted in plexiglass molds using autopolymerizing acrylic resin. A universal testing machine was used to measure post retention at a crosshead speed of 2 mm/min. The results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey HSD test (α = 0.05). Dislodged posts and post spaces were examined microscopically to evaluate retention failure.

RESULTS

The Ascorbic acid group exhibited the highest mean retentive strength value at 229 N, followed by QMix at 198 N, NaOCl at 186 N, CHX at 170 N, and EDTA at 124 N. The mean value of the ascorbic acid group was significantly higher than EDTA group, p = 0.012. The failure category was primarily mixed.

CONCLUSIONS

Rinsing post spaces with ascorbic acid exhibited significantly superior bond strength. The failure mode was mixed.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Irrigating post spaces with ascorbic acid solution before luting FRC posts significantly improves their bond strength compared to irrigation with EDTA solution. Irrigation with QMix solution produced the second highest retentive strength but showed no statistical significance when compared to using ascorbic acid, NaOCl, CHX, or EDTA solutions.

Influence of pretreating radicular dentin with different polyacrylic acids and isopropanol on the retention of posts

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The optimal pretreatment of radicular dentin before cementing a post with glass ionomer cement is unclear.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the retention of prefabricated tapered titanium posts to endodontically treated teeth after applying different pretreatment protocols on the radicular dentin.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The coronal part of 32 single-rooted human teeth was removed 1-mm coronally to the cemento-enamel junction. All specimens received endodontic treatment, and the root canals were prepared with an instrument to a depth of 10 mm to receive a titanium post. The dentin walls of each specimen were roughened with a hand-held diamond cutting instrument. The specimens were randomly divided according to the surface treatments into 4 groups (n=8): KW: etched with 20% to 30% polyacrylic acid (PAA) (Ketac Conditioner) and rinsed with water; KWI: etched with 20% to 30% PAA, rinsed with water and 70% isopropanol; DW: etched with 30% to 50% PAA (Durelon Liquid) and rinsed with water; DWI: etched with 30% to 50% PAA, rinsed with water and 70% isopropanol. The prefabricated titanium posts were airborne-particle abraded and cemented with glass ionomer cement. The specimens were fixed in custom-made brass cylindrical holders with autopolymerizing acrylic resin with the holder parallel to the long axis of the post. All specimens were stored in water for 3 days at 37 °C. Retention was evaluated using a tensile test with a universal testing machine (Zwick Z010) at a crosshead speed of 2 mm/min. Data were statistically analyzed with a 1-way ANOVA, followed by the Tukey post hoc test for pairwise comparisons between groups (α=.05).

RESULTS

Mean ±standard deviation retention values ranged from 201.8 ±55.5 N (KW) to 328.1 ±70.9 N (DWI). Groups DWI and KWI (316 ±58.3 N) showed statistically higher retention values than group KW (P<.05) but did not significantly differ from retention values obtained in group DW (P>.05).

CONCLUSIONS

An additional final rinse with isopropanol after using PAA increased the retention of the post significantly for all groups. Although group DWI achieved the highest retention values, pretreatment of radicular dentin as in group KWI may also be considered.

Influence of post material and ferrule thickness on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated premolars: A laboratory study

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The influence of the ferrule thickness and post materials on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth remains unclear.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this laboratory study was to evaluate the influence of post material and ferrule thickness on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated mandibular premolars.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty-four extracted and endodontically treated mandibular first premolars were used and divided into 4 test groups (n=16) depending on the ferrule thickness: F-0: without a ferrule, F-0.5: with a 0.5-mm ferrule thickness, F-1: with a 1-mm ferrule thickness, and F-1.5: with a 1.5-mm ferrule thickness. In groups with ferrules, the height ranged from 2 mm buccally/lingually to 1 mm proximally. Teeth in subgroups (n=8) were restored with either prefabricated glass fiber (FF) or titanium posts (FT) (ISO size 70 and length of 7.5 mm) and then adhesively restored with composite resin foundation materials. After foundation procedures, each specimen was restored with a cobalt chromium crown which was cemented with glass-ionomer cement. All specimens were subjected to dynamic loading in a masticatory simulator for 1 200 000 loading cycles with a nominal load of 5 Kg at 1.2 Hz and simultaneous thermocycling (5 to 55 °C). Specimens were then quasistatically loaded at 30 degrees in a universal testing machine until fracture. Fracture loads were analyzed by using 2-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey honestly significant difference test (α=.05).

RESULTS

Fracture loads ranged from 610 ±45 N (no ferrule - glass fiber post) to 1216 ±169 N (1.5 mm ferrule thickness - glass fiber post). A statistically significant increase in fracture resistance was observed with increasing ferrule thickness (P<.001). However, post materials did not show a statistically significant influence (P=.977).

CONCLUSIONS

Under the conditions of this laboratory study, increasing the ferrule thickness had a significant effect on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth after thermomechanical fatigue, irrespective of post materials.

Influence of glass fiber post design and luting cements on ease of post removal and fracture strength of endodontically retreated teeth: An in vitro study

Aims and Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the time needed to remove two types of glass fiber posts cemented with two different cements and removed with two different techniques and to evaluate the fracture strength of teeth after post removal.

Materials and Methods:

Root canal treatment was completed in 80 extracted single-rooted premolars and the teeth were decoronated. Following canal preparation, the roots were coated with polysiloxane impression material and embedded in acrylic resin cubes. The specimens were randomly divided into eight experimental groups (n = 10) based on the type of fiber post inserted: Reforpost (R) or Contec Blanco (C); luting cement: Multilink-N/self-etch (M) or G-Cem/self-adhesive (G); technique of removal: Peeso reamer (P); or ultrasonic (U). The posts were removed with respective technique under magnification and the time (in seconds) of post removal was determined. Following post removal, the fracture strength of the specimens was determined using a universal testing machine. The mode of failure was also determined. Data were analyzed by three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s post hoc test, t test, and correlation. Chi-square analysis was performed to compare the failure mode. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:

The post and cement types had an influence in post removal time (P < 0.05). There was no role of post or cement types on the fracture strength of teeth after post removal with either technique (P > 0.05). A weak negative correlation was found between the post removal time and fracture resistance for both Peeso reamer (r = –0.373) and ultrasonic (r = –0.177) techniques. Both techniques of post removal produced a majority of favorable failures (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

The type of post and luting cement plays a significant role in ease of post removal by Peeso reamer or ultrasonic technique. Post-removal technique had no effect on the fracture strength of teeth. Parallel serrated fiber post luted with self-etch resin cements was difficult to remove as compared with parallel smooth surface post luted with self-etch or self-adhesive resin cement.

Influence of post material, post diameter, and substance loss on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth: A laboratory study

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The influence of the flexural modulus of prefabricated posts on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth is unclear.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of post material and post diameter on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated mandibular premolars. In addition, the influence of tooth substance loss was evaluated by comparing 1 with 2 residual dentinal walls.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty-four extracted mandibular first premolars were endodontically treated and divided into 8 test groups (n=8) based on the number of residual walls (1 or 2), post material (glass fiber or titanium) and post diameter (International Standards Organization [ISO] 70 or ISO 90). After luting the posts, the specimens received a composite resin core and a crown preparation with a 2-mm ferrule. Cast Co-Cr crowns were cemented with glass ionomer cement. After 1 200 000 mastication cycles with a load of 49 N and simultaneous thermocycling (5 °C-55 °C), specimens were quasistatically loaded at 30 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the tooth until fracture. Fracture loads were analyzed by using 3-way ANOVA (α=.05). Fracture modes were examined with a stereomicroscope at ×25 magnification and recorded.

RESULTS

Fracture loads ranged from 954 ±35 N (1 residual wall-glass fiber-ISO 70) to 1286 ±202 N (1 residual wall-glass fiber-ISO 90). Titanium posts showed a statistically significant higher fracture resistance than glass fiber posts. A statistically significant increase in fracture resistance was also observed with increasing post diameter. However, no significant difference was found with respect to the number of residual walls (P>.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Teeth restored with titanium posts exhibited higher fracture resistance than teeth restored with glass fiber posts, especially when smaller diameter posts were used.

Effect of length of LOCATOR abutment and cement type on retention to intraradicular dentin in overdentures

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Limited information is available on the effect of LOCATOR abutment length and luting cement type on retention to intraradicular dentin in overdentures.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of the length of a commercially available LOCATOR abutment and cement type on retention in the root canal.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighty LOCATOR abutments with a standard length of 6 mm were obtained. Half of them were shortened to 3 mm. Eighty recently extracted single-rooted teeth were divided into 2 groups. The post space was prepared to 6 mm in the first group and 3 mm in the second. After preparation, the LOCATOR abutments were luted with one of the following cements: dual-polymerized glass-reinforced resin cement (Parapost Paracore), dual-polymerized resin cement (Variolink II), self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX Unicem), and conventional cement (zinc phosphate). The tensile force required for the removal of the LOCATOR abutments from their corresponding roots was recorded. Data were statistically analyzed with 2-way ANOVA and the Tukey multiple comparison test.

RESULTS

Both the cement type (P<.001) and the length of the LOCATOR abutment (P<.001) significantly affected the mean tensile forces. Dual-polymerized glass-reinforced resin cement (Parapost Paracore) presented significantly higher mean tensile forces for the LOCATOR abutment retention among all cements (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of the length, LOCATOR abutments luted with Parapost Paracore resin cement presented higher mean resistance to tensile forces compared with those luted with the other cements. LOCATOR abutments of 6 mm in length were more resistant to tensile forces than those of 3 mm in length in combination with all cements.

Pull-out retentive strength of fiber posts cemented at different times in canals obturated with a eugenol-based sealer

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Currently, no standard luting protocol exists for fiber posts. In addition, no agreement has been reached on the time interval between canal obturation and post space preparation and cementation.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the retention of fiber posts cemented with 3 different types of cement: Paracore, Variolink II, and RelyX Unicem cement after 24 hours or 2 weeks in root canals obturated with gutta percha and a eugenol-based sealer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy-two caries-free, freshly extracted, single-rooted human mandibular first premolar teeth with straight root canals were prepared and obturated with gutta percha and Endofil sealer. Specimens were divided into 2 groups (n=36): post spaces prepared 24 hours after obturation and post spaces prepared 2 weeks after obturation. Posts in both groups were luted with 1 of 3 different luting agents (n=12), ParaCore, Variolink II, or RelyX Unicem cement. Each tooth specimen was vertically secured in a universal testing machine, and a constant pull-out loading rate of 0.5 mm/min was applied until cement failure occurred. Data were statistically analyzed with 2-way and 1-way ANOVAs and t tests.

RESULTS

Two-way ANOVA indicated statistically significant differences in mean post retention among the 3 cement types (P<.001) and among the means of the different time intervals investigated (P<.001). Significant differences were noted among all cement types tested between the 24-hour and 2-week time intervals (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Time elapsed between canal obturation and post cementation significantly influenced fiber post retention, regardless of the type of resin cement. Fiber posts showed significantly higher retention if cemented after 24 hours of obturation than if cementation occurred after 2 weeks.

Retention of Root Canal Posts: Effect of Cement Film Thickness, Luting Cement, and Post Pretreatment

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the cement film thickness of a zinc phosphate or a resin cement on retention of untreated and pretreated root canal posts. Prefabricated zirconia posts (CosmoPost: 1.4 mm) and two types of luting cements (a zinc phosphate cement [DeTrey Zinc] and a self-etch adhesive resin cement [Panavia F2.0]) were used. After removal of the crowns of 360 extracted premolars, canines, or incisors, the root canals were prepared with a parallel-sided drill system to three different final diameters. Half the posts did not receive any pretreatment. The other half received tribochemical silicate coating according to the manufacturer's instructions. Posts were then luted in the prepared root canals (n=30 per group). Following water storage at 37°C for seven days, retention of the posts was determined by the pull-out method. Irrespective of the luting cement, pretreatment with tribochemical silicate coating significantly increased retention of the posts. Increased cement film thickness resulted in decreased retention of untreated posts and of pretreated posts luted with zinc phosphate cement. Increased cement film thickness had no influence on retention of pretreated posts luted with resin cement. Thus, retention of the posts was influenced by the type of luting cement, by the cement film thickness, and by the post pretreatment.

Influence of surface treatment of yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconium oxides and cement type on crown retention after artificial aging

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Information about the influence of zirconia crown surface treatment and cement type on the retention of zirconia crowns is limited. It is unclear whether zirconia crowns require surface treatment to enhance their retention.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of surface treatment on the retention of zirconia crowns cemented with 3 different adhesive resin cements after artificial aging.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety extracted human molars were prepared for ceramic crowns (approximately 20-degree taper, approximately 4-mm axial length) and were divided into 3 groups (n=30). Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing zirconia copings were fabricated. Three surface treatments were applied to the intaglio surface of the copings. The control group received no treatment, the second group was airborne-particle abraded with 50 μm Al2O3, and the third group was treated with 30 μm silica-modified Al2O3, The copings were luted with a self-etch (RelyX Unicem 2), a total-etch (Duo-Link), or a self-etch primer (Panavia F 2.0) adhesive cement. They were stored for 24 hours at 37°C before being artificially aged with 5000 (5°C-55°C) thermal cycles and 100,000 cycles of 70 N dynamic loading. Retention was measured on a universal testing machine under tension, with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Statistical analysis was performed with 1-way and 2-way ANOVA.

RESULTS

Mean retention values ranged from 0.72 to 3.7 MPa. Surface treatment increased crown retention, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>.05), except for the Duo-Link cement group (P<.05). Analysis of the adhesives revealed that the Duo-Link cement resulted in significantly lower crown retention (P<.05) than the other 2 cements.

CONCLUSION

For zirconia crowns, retention seems to be dependent on cement type rather than surface treatment.

Bond strength of overdenture locator posts cemented with seven luting agents

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Post retention is crucial factor in restoration survival. Posts are commonly failed due to loss of retention. It is unknown which luting agents would provide the maximum bond strength for Locator overdenture posts.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bond retentive strengths of Locator overdenture posts cemented with 7 luting agents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and five single rooted human teeth were decoronated and randomly assigned to 7 groups (n = 15). Post spaces were prepared with Locator post drills to the depth of 6 mm. The Locator posts were cemented with Variolink II, RelyX ARC, Multilink N, RelyX Unicem, ParaCore, or MultiCore Flow resin luting agents. Zinc phosphate cement was served as control group. Specimens were stored in water at 37°C for 24 hours. Each specimen was loaded in tension in an Instron universal testing machine. The maximum force required to dislodge each Locator post was recorded. Means and standard deviations were calculated and data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS

The highest mean bond strength value for Locator posts was recorded for MultiCore(®) Flow group (mean = 550.1 N), while the lowest mean value was for RelyX Unicem(™) resin cement group (mean = 216.8 N). A statistically significant difference in mean locator overdenture post bond strength was observed between the 7 cement types (p < 0.0001). ParaCore(™) and MultiCore(®) Flow groups had significantly higher bond strength than all other groups, but they were not differed from each other.

CONCLUSION

Bond strength of Locator overdenture posts were influenced by the type of luting agents. MultiCore Flow and ParaCore resin cements offered the greatest retention.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The type of luting agents had a significant effect on the retention of Locator posts. The use of Core buildup resin cements as luting agent with Locator post demonstrated the greatest retention.

Retention of fiber posts to the optimally and over-prepared dowel spaces

PURPOSE

To assess the retention of glass fiber post cemented with self-adhesive resin cement into optimum and over-prepared root canals following obturation in the presence of either eugenol (EB) or calcium hydroxide (CB)-based sealers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Roots of extracted premolars were endodontically-treated in 5 groups (n = 10). Roots of Group 1 (control) were left with no obturation and then optimally prepared to receive endodontic dowels. Other root canals were obturated with gutta-percha in the presence of either eugenol-based (Groups 2 and 4) or calcium hydroxide-based (Groups 3 and 5) sealer. Dowel spaces were prepared with optimal diameter in Groups 2 and 3, one size larger in Groups 4 and 5. Standardized fiber posts were luted to the prepared spaces using self-adhesive resin cement and itsretention was then tested on an universal testing machine. Both one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD comparisons (α=0.05) were used to identifythe significance of inter-group retention differences. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of both optimally and over-prepared dowel spaces was also considered to figure the nature of their interior out.

RESULTS

The post retention was significantly higher to the non-obturated, optimally-prepared dowel spaces of Group 1 compared to the obturated, optimally-prepared ones of Groups 2 and 3. For each dowel space diameter, root canals obturated using CB of Groups 3 and 5 showed significantly higher dowel retention compared to those obturated using EB of Groups 2 and 4. Post retention to the over-prepared dowel spaces of Groups 4 and 5 was significantly higher than that recorded for the optimally-prepared ones of Groups 1-3. SEM images revealed traces of endodontic sealer and gutta-percha on the walls of the optimally-prepared dowel spaces.

CONCLUSION

Despite the adverse effect of endodontic sealers on the retention of fiber posts, the over-preparation of dowel spaces helps to improve the retention.

Waiting time for coronal preparation and the influence of different cements on tensile strength of metal posts

This study aimed to assess the effect of post-cementation waiting time for core preparation of cemented cast posts and cores had on retention in the root canal, using two different luting materials. Sixty extracted human canines were sectioned 16 mm from the root apex. After cast nickel-chromium metal posts and cores were fabricated and luted with zinc phosphate (ZP) cement or resin cement (RC), the specimens were divided into 3 groups (n = 10) according to the waiting time for core preparation: no preparation (control), 15 minutes, or 1 week after the core cementation. At the appropriate time, the specimens were subjected to a tensile load test (0.5 mm/min) until failure. Two-way ANOVA (time versus cement) and the Tukey tests (P < 0.05) showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) tensile strength values for the ZP cement groups than for the RC groups. Core preparation and post-cementation waiting time for core recontouring did not influence the retention strength. ZP was the best material for intraradicular metal post cementation.

Tensile bond strength of cast commercially pure titanium dowel and cores cemented with three luting agents

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare the tensile strength of commercially pure titanium dowels and cores cemented with zinc phosphate or resin cements.

METHODS

Twenty-one extracted human canines were endodontically treated. The root preparations were accomplished using Largo reamers (10mm in depth and 1.7 mm in diameter). Acrylic resin patterns for the dowel and cores were made, and specimens were cast in commercially pure titanium (n=7) and divided in three groups: TZ-CP Ti dowels luted with zinc phosphate luting agent, TP-CP Ti dowels luted with Panavia F and TR-CP Ti dowels luted with RelyX U100. Tensile strengths were measured in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5mm/min. The results (N) were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.01).

RESULTS

The ANOVA indicated that there were significant differences among the groups tested. A Tukey multiple comparison procedure was performed and revealed statistically significant higher retention values for the dowel luted with RelyX U100 when compared with zinc phosphate or Panavia F.

CONCLUSION

Cast commercially pure titanium dowels and cores fixed with RelyX U100 cement presented superior bond strength retention when compared to zinc phosphate and Panavia F.

A new design for post and core restorations implementing positive locking

The design of a post and core restoration is a trade-off between a series of requirements to achieve stability of the post itself, the surrounding root dentine and the joint between tooth and post, while maintaining a sufficient apical seal of the remaining root canal filling. Post and core restoration systems come in a variety of different designs and dimensions, where each has its specific strength and weakness. With the exception of threaded versions, posts normally rely on either chemical and/or frictional locking between the post and the remaining root. Failure due to fatigue of the joint or root fracture due to overloading of the dentine is a frequent failure mode, especially for posts anchoring removable prostheses. Perforation of the root in an attempt to maximize the post length is a main cause for failure, too. A new design is proposed which uses a short but large diameter post. The risk of decementation is reduced by positive locking. A cavity with an undercut is prepared into the root, into which the post is fitted. Once joined, the post cannot be separated from the tooth without destruction of either the root or the post. The principle of the new design uses preparation tools and a post which is spread at the bottom. A cylindrically prepared hole is re-shaped to a defined inverse taper with the wider diameter at the bottom of the hole. A cylindrical post is inserted and spread at the bottom to a matching shape after placement. A first in vitro test of the stability showed that the positive locking provides at least as good extraction resistance as conventional post without the critical reliance on the luting/bonding agent.

Influence of endodontic post type (glass fiber, quartz fiber or gold) and luting material on push-out bond strength to dentin in vitro

OBJECTIVES

To determine the influence of post type and luting material on bond strength to dentin.

METHODS

The root canals of extracted human upper central incisors were instrumented and post space was prepared using the respective drills for each post system. Glass fiber posts (Luscent Anchor, Dentatus [LA]) were luted using three dual-curing adhesive systems (Excite DSC/Variolink II, Vivadent [VL2]; EnaBond/EnaCem, Micerium [ENA]; Prime & Bond NT/Calibra, DentSply DeTrey [CAL]). A different brand of glass fiber post (EasyPost, DentSply Maillefer [EP]) and quartz fiber post (DT Light Post, VDW [DT]) were luted using CAL. Gold posts (Perma-dor, VDW) were luted either adhesively following tribo-chemical silicate coating (Rocatec, ESPE-Sil, 3M ESPE; CAL) or conventionally using glass ionomer cement (Ketac Cem, 3M ESPE). Three slices of 2mm height were cut perpendicular to the post from each restored root. Bond strength was determined by pushing out the post using a universal testing machine (/1449, Zwick).

RESULTS

For all experimental groups combined, bond strength increased from the coronal to the apical section (Friedman test: P<0.001). Significant differences were observed among the fiber posts (DT/CAL>LA/CAL; Mann-Whitney U-test with Bonferroni-Holm adjustment: P<0.05; EP/CAL ranging in between) but not among luting materials (LA/VL2, LA/ENA, LA/CAL: n.s.). The gold posts were equivalent to DT/CAL with both luting procedures.

SIGNIFICANCE

Selection of post type may be more important for bond strength than luting material. Bond strength of fiber posts was equivalent but not superior to adhesively or conventionally luted gold posts.

Effect of surface treatment on retention of glass-fiber endodontic posts

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The effects of surface treatment on the retention of prefabricated fiber-reinforced epoxy resin posts are not well understood because most studies measure retention shortly after cementation, without artificial aging.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of surface treatment on the retention of glass-fiber endodontic posts luted with resin cement and subjected to artificial aging.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-two single-rooted teeth were selected, the coronal aspect of each tooth was removed, and the remaining root received endodontic therapy. Specimens were then divided into 4 groups (n = 8). Post spaces were prepared to a depth of 10 mm by using ISO 90 rotary instruments. The tapered posts received 1 of 4 surface treatments: cleaning with alcohol (Alc), cleaning with alcohol and conditioning with ED-Primer material (Alc-ED), airborne-particle abrasion (Air), or airborne-particle abrasion and conditioning with ED-Primer material (Air-ED). All posts were luted with a composite resin luting agent (Panavia F) after conditioning the canal dentin with autopolymerizing dentin primer (ED-Primer) and without acid etching of the canal dentin. After cementation, the specimens were stored in water at 37 degrees C for 30 days and subjected to simulated aging conditions consisting of 7500 thermal cycles (5 degrees C/55 degrees C) and 300,000 mechanical loading cycles with 30 N. Retention (N) of the posts was measured with a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 2 mm/min. The data were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test (alpha = .05). The dislodged posts were also examined microscopically at x8 and x20 magnification to evaluate the mode of failure.

RESULTS

The mean retentive values (N) and SDs of the test groups were as follows: Alc, 375.9 +/- 85.0; Alc-ED, 421.2 +/- 46.8; Air, 534.8 +/- 65.8; and Air-ED, 555.8 +/- 86.9. Airborne-particle-abraded posts had significantly higher retention compared with nonabraded posts (P < .001). Treating the post's surface with ED-Primer material prior to cementation had no significant effect on retention. The failure mode was purely adhesive at the resin cement-post interface for all nonabraded posts. A mixed failure mode, adhesive at the resin cement-dentin interface, at the resin cement-post interface, and cohesive in the resin cement, was observed for airborne-particle-abraded posts.

CONCLUSION

Treating the surface of the posts with ED-Primer material before cementation with Panavia F cement produced no significant improvement in the retention of the posts. Airborne-particle abrasion of the surface of the post significantly improved the retention.