Accuracy comparison of single- and double-sleeve endodontic guides for fiber post removal.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the accuracy of two different endodontic guides for fiber post removal. METHODS: In this in vitro study, 54 maxillary canine fiber posts were mounted on 36 maxillary stone casts; 18 teeth were mounted unilaterally, and 36 teeth were mounted bilaterally. Static endodontic guides were fabricated according to baseline cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and intraoral optical scans using Blue Sky software. In the single-sleeve endodontic guides group (SSG), two anterior and two posterior teeth were included in a 5-unit guide. In the double-sleeve endodontic guides group (DSG) group, the guide was passed through the midline to include both canine teeth and extended by 2 teeth posterior to the canine teeth bilaterally (a 10-unit guide). After drilling, postoperative CBCT scans were taken and superimposed on the virtually designed path, and the maximum coronal deviation (MCD) at the marginal entry point of the tooth, maximum apical deviation (MAD) at 10 mm apical to the tooth margin, and maximum angular deflection (MAnD) of the drill were calculated. RESULTS: The mean MCD, MAD, and MAnD were 0.34 mm, 0.6 mm, and 2.32 degrees, respectively, in the SSG and 0.31 mm, 0.7 mm, and 2.37 degrees, respectively, in the DSG. The two groups were not significantly different from each other in terms of MCD (P = 0.573), MAD (P = 0.290), or MAnD (P = 0.896). CONCLUSIONS: The accuracies of the two techniques, the extended double sleeve guide and the single sleeve guide, were comparable and thus DSG may be used for removal of fiber posts in adjacent or distant teeth.

The Influence of Post System Design and Material on the Biomechanical Behavior of Teeth with Little Remaining Coronal Structure.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of different post systems on the biomechanical behavior of teeth with a severe loss of remaining coronal structure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty standardized bovine teeth (n = 10 per group) were restored with: cast post-and-core (CPC), prefabricated metallic post (PFM), parallel glass-fiber post (P-FP), conical glass-fiber post (C-FP), or composite core (no post, CC). The survival rate during thermomechanical challenging (TC), the fracture strength (FS), and failure patterns (FP) were evaluated. Finite element models evaluated the stress distribution after the application of 100 N. RESULTS: All specimens survived TC. Similar FS was observed among post-containing groups. Groups P-FP and CC presented 100% repairable fractures. The von Mises analysis showed the maximum stresses into the root canal in groups restored with metallic posts. Glass-fiber posts and CC presented the maximum stresses at the load contact point. Glass-fiber groups showed lower stresses in the analysis of maximal contact pressure; CPC led to the highest values of contact pressure. The modified von Mises (mvM) stress in dentin did not show differences among groups. Moreover, mvM values did not reach the dentin fracture limit for any group. CONCLUSIONS: The type of intracanal post had a relevant influence on the biomechanical behavior of teeth with little remaining coronal structure.

Evaluation of Intra Root Canal Er,Cr:YSGG Laser Irradiation on Prosthetic Post Adherence.

PURPOSE: In clinical prosthetics procedures, including endodontics and post fixation, the presence of a smear layer can reduce the post bond strength. An Er,Cr:YSGG laser, which emits at 2780 nm, can promote a smear-layer-free surface due to the ablation process. Considering these aspects, the purpose of this work was to evaluate the influence of Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation using either a radial or an axial fiber tip on the bond strength of three resin cements to the fiber-reinforced composite posts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety recently extracted single rooted human teeth had their root canal instrumented and were randomly distributed into nine experimental groups, in which three resin cements (total-etching Variolink II, self-etching Panavia F, and self-adhesive RelyX Unicem Aplicap) and three root canal treatments (no treatment, laser irradiation using the radial fiber tip, laser irradiation using the axial fiber tip) were used. Specimens were then sectioned into three sections (cervical, middle, and apical thirds) with two slices on each section. A push-out test was performed on each slice, and the values were recorded as MPa. The push-out data were analyzed by a Ryan-Joiner normality test followed by a two-way ANOVA test and Tukey pairwise comparison. The statistical analysis was performed on each third section separately, with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: Laser irradiation with axial fiber tip significantly increased the post bond strength of RelyX Unicem Aplicap on middle third of specimens (p < 0.001) when compared to other root canal treatments (unlased or irradiated with radial tip). Considering the Panavia resin cement, laser irradiation with either axial or radial tips promoted a significant increase on the post bond strength of middle third when compared to unlased specimens (p < 0.001); however, laser irradiation did not influence the post bond strength of Variolink resin cement. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the Er,Cr:YSGG laser for clinical prosthetics procedures enhances the post bond strength of Panavia and RelyX Unicem Aplicap resin cements, mainly at middle third of roots, and does not interfere with the bond strength of Variolink resin cement. For the RelyX Unicem Aplicap system, the use of axial tip is most advantageous and can be recommended for future clinical application.

In vitro retention of prefabricated and individually formed posts: A pilot study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Data on the retention of individually formed fiber-reinforced composite posts (everStick) cemented with self-adhesive cement are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the pull-out strength of 2 different fiber-reinforced composite posts (prefabricated and individually formed) cemented into extracted teeth with self-adhesive resin cement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty extracted single-rooted human teeth were decoronated, endodontically treated, and prepared with post spaces of equal length. Prepared specimens were divided into 2 groups (n=15 each) based on the type of post: commercially prefabricated fiber posts (GC) and individually formed resin posts (using GC reinforcing fibers). Self-adhesive resin cement (G-CEM LinkAce; GC) was used to cement all posts. Each post was held with moderate pressure, and root surfaces were light polymerized for 20 seconds (650 mW/cm2). After cementation, the specimens were stored in saline solution for 30 days. Treated teeth were kept in water for 24 hours before pull-out testing parallel to the longitudinal axis of the posts. Data were analyzed using the Student t test (α=.05) and the coefficient of variance as the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean. RESULTS: The mean pull-out retention strength was 185.7 ±61.2 N for the prefabricated fiber posts and 98.9 ±56.5 N for the individually formed fiber posts (P=.026). CONCLUSIONS: The prefabricated fiber posts exhibited significantly higher retention forces than the individually formed posts.

[Clinical observation of the restoration of computer aided designed and manufactured one-piece zirconia posts and cores: a 5-year prospective follow-up study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of computer aided design and computer aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) one-piece zirconia posts and cores for the restoration of defective teeth. METHODS: In the study, 72 defective teeth of 47 patients who had proper root canal therapy were restored with CAD/CAM one-piece zirconia posts and cores. All the ceramic crowns were finally used to restore contour and function of the teeth. The defective teeth were divided into two groups on the basis of the teeth defect degree. Group A: 39 defective teeth presented with three or four coronal residual walls, and group B: 33 defective teeth presented with less than two coronal residual walls. During the clinical observation period, the stability, dislocation of posts and the occurrence of fractures in either teeth or posts and cores were assessed and analyzed with a paired t test(α=0.05). Meanwhile shade matching was conducted between the restored teeth and normal reference teeth, the marginal fitness of the restored teeth were recorded according to the standard of United States Public Health Service (USPHS) and analyzed with descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The average follow up was (65.0±4.8) months. During the observation period, the restorations were examined both clinically and with periapical radiograph. No incidence of teeth fracture or posts and cores complications were observed in both groups, and all CAD/CAM one-piece zirconia posts and cores remained intact with restored teeth. There were no post and core dislodgement or fracture. There was no difference between group A and group B (P>0.05). The restorative effect of CAD/CAM one-piece zirconia posts and cores with all the ceramic crowns were assessed according to the standard of USPHS, and the number of the restored tooth shade matching with level A was 67, and 5 with level B. The rate of shade matching was 93.06%. As the marginal fitness, 64 restored teeth were level A, and 8 with level B. The rate of restorative teeth marginal fitness was 88.89%. CONCLUSION: CAD/CAM one-piece zirconia posts and cores were successfully used to restore defective teeth and received excellent clinical effect. So, it can be a good choice for defective teeth which need post-cores and crowns restoration.

Comparing Fracture Resistance and the Time Required for Two Different Fiber Post Removal Systems.

PURPOSE: To compare two fiber post removal techniques in terms of fracture resistance and time required for post removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Post space was prepared to a 9-mm depth in each root canal. The roots were randomly divided into three groups of 15 specimens each. D.T. Light-Posts were cemented in all groups. In group 1, fiber posts were removed using the D.T. Light-Post-removal kit; in group 2, Start-X stainless-steel ultrasonic tips were used. In group 3, fiber posts were left without removal (the control group). For all groups, fracture resistance (N) value was measured and recorded using a universal testing machine. Times required for fiber post removal were also recorded for the two study groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the control and removal kit groups for fracture resistance values (p = 0.233). The fracture resistance value of the ultrasonic group was found to be significantly lower than that of the control group (p = 0.001) as well as that of the removal kit group (p = 0.032). The fiber post removal time for the ultrasonic group was significantly longer than that for the removal kit group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Compared to the removal kit, removal of the fiber posts with an ultrasonic tip decreases the fracture resistance of the roots, although significantly more time is required.

Effect of CAD/CAM glass fiber post-core on cement micromorphology and fracture resistance of endodontically treated roots.

PURPOSE: To investigate the fracture resistance of weakened roots restored with prefabricated or CAD/CAM-customized posts and cores as well as the thickness of the cement film and the presence of voids in the cement. METHODS: The roots of 40 human premolars were weakened by removing internal dentin with a diamond bur (2.5 mm in the coronal third and 1.5 mm in the apical third) and restored with prefabricated posts (PPs) or customized posts (CPs) with or without a zirconia crown (n= 10). Posts and crowns were cemented with resin cement. Microtomography was used to determine the thickness of the cement film and whether voids were present. After fatigue testing (1 million cycles, 50 N, 5 Hz, 36.5°C), the specimens underwent compression testing with an oblique load (30°, 1 mm/minute) and fracture strengths were recorded (N). Fracture strength and film thickness were analyzed with ANOVA and the Games-Howell test; the variable presence of voids was analyzed with the Mann-Whitney test (α= 5%). RESULTS: Mean fracture strengths varied between 640.4 and 792.9 N and did not differ significantly between groups. The CP group had a thinner cement film and fewer voids than the PP group. There was a positive, statistically significant correlation (Spearman, R=0.488, P= 0.029) between these variables. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: CAD/CAM-manufactured glass-fiber posts and cores do not affect the fracture strength of flared root canals or cause catastrophic failure of the root when used with zirconia crowns.

Light-transmitting fiber optic posts: An in vitro evaluation.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The clinical challenge of adhering cement to intracanal dentin is transmitting light to the most apical parts of root canals to allow more efficient polymerization of the cement. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the cement-polymerizing ability, microstructure, and radiopacity of a new fiber optic post (iLumi fiber optic Post) with a clinically successful fiber post (DT Light Post). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Polymerizing ability was compared using a modified depth-of-polymerization protocol. A split aluminum mold with a 12-mm cylindrical hole (diameter=4.7 mm) was filled with light-polymerized resin cement (Variolink Esthetic LC). Each fiber post (n=12) was positioned and light-polymerized on the coronal end for 60 seconds with a light-emitting diode polymerization light. Unpolymerized resin was dissolved with an organic solvent, and the weight and length of the polymerized resin cement were measured. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine vertical and horizontal cross-sections. The radiopacity values of both the posts and 5 additional reference posts were evaluated using an aluminum step wedge. RESULTS: The weight and length of the polymerized resin cement were significantly greater (P<.05) with the fiber optic post, which scanning electron microscopy showed to have a higher density of parallel fibers. The iLumi post demonstrated greater radiopacity among the tested fiber posts and a titanium alloy post. CONCLUSIONS: The iLumi fiber optic posts have a unique structural fiber composition and excellent radiopacity and light-transmitting ability that produce more complete polymerization of the resin cement than the DT Light posts.

Effect of fiber posts on the fracture resistance of maxillary central incisors with Class III restorations: An in vitro study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Endodontically treated teeth with Class III restorations show reduced fracture resistance. The placement of glass fiber posts may affect fracture resistance and should be further evaluated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of fiber posts on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated maxillary central incisors with Class III restorations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty extracted human maxillary central incisors were selected and divided into 4 test groups (n=10 each) according to the restoration strategy: control group; endodontically treated teeth without endodontic posts (GHT); endodontically treated teeth with 2 Class III restorations simulating coronal destruction (GCT); endodontically treated teeth with 2 Class III restorations and a carbon fiber post (GCF); and endodontically treated teeth with 2 Class III restorations and a glass-fiber post (GGF). The fiber posts were adhesively cemented with composite resin cement, and the cavities were restored with composite resin. After 3 months of water storage, all specimens were loaded at 45 degrees in a universal testing machine until fracture and evaluated for fracture mode. The data were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA, followed by the Tukey honest significant difference multiple comparisons test (α=.05). RESULTS: Mean ±SD failure loads ranged from 687.5 ±84.0 N to 943.8 ±93.1 N. One-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference among the groups (P≤.05). The control group (GHT) had significantly higher resistance to fracture than the other groups (P≤.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, placement of a fiber post did not affect the fracture resistance of endodontically treated maxillary central incisors with 2 Class III restorations.

Radiopacity of Esthetic Post Materials: Evaluation with Digital Analysis Technique.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the radiopacity of five post materials using a digital image analysis method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve specimens from each post type (two zirconia and three fiber based) of 2 mm in thickness were obtained using a diamond blade mounted on a cutting machine, and digital radiographs were taken along with aluminum step-wedge and dentin discs under standard exposure conditions. The mean gray-values of specimens were measured using a computer graphics program. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Holm-Sidak multicomparison test (p = 0.05). RESULTS: The highest radiopacity was observed in custom zirconia (5.842 millimeters of equivalent Al [mmAl]), and the lowest value was detected with FRC-Postec (Ivoclar Vivadent) (1.716 mmAl). Significant differences were revealed between the radiopacity values among all groups (p < 0.05), except the Zr post materials (p = 0.56). CONCLUSIONS: All tested post materials had higher radiopacity than dentin. Further studies will be required to clarify optimum radiopacity properties of the post materials to provide a precise clinical observation.

Comparison of Different Post Systems for Fracture Resistance: An in vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: Endodontic restoration becomes a challenging task for the clinician because of severe loss of coronal tooth structure owing to trauma, caries, restorative, and endodontic procedures. The restoration of these teeth requires the use of a post and core as individual units or as abutment supports for fixed or removable restorations in a predictable long-term manner. AIM: To compare and assess the compressive bond strength of glass, quartz, and carbon fiber posts restored with porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 45 upper central incisor teeth having straight root canals, similar anatomically root segments, and fully developed apices were selected. Teeth were divided into three groups of 15 teeth after endodontic treatment. Group I: Teeth inserted with the prefabricated glass fiber post. Group II: Teeth inserted with the quartz fiber post. Group III: Teeth inserted with carbon fiber post. The posts were placed and core was fabricated using composite restoration followed by PFM crown cementation using adhesive resin. Compressive load required to fracture the tooth was measured using a universal loading machine. The difference between the variables was assessed by one-way analysis of variance, followed by Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS: The compressive strength exhibited by carbon fiber posts was highest with a mean of 668.33 ± 26.397, followed by quartz fiber post (635.80 ± 30.390). Least compressive strength was exhibited by glass fiber post (567.53 ± 26.632). An analysis of variance shows statistically highly significant difference (p < 0.005) among the posts used. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that the carbon fiber posts had higher compressive strength than other quartz, glass fiber posts. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Endodontic treatment results in loss of a significant part of the tooth structure. Posts restore these teeth and provide retention.

Influence of oval and circular post placement using different resin cements on push-out bond strength and void volume analysed by micro-CT.

AIM: To evaluate the percentage volume of voids within cement layers, to determine the push-out bond strength of circular and oval fibre posts luted with different commercial resin cements in oval cross-sectional root canals, and to correlate push-out bond strength values and volume of voids of circular and oval fibre posts. METHODOLOGY: Seventy-two mandibular premolars with oval-shaped root canals were selected. The specimens were divided into two main groups according to the post type (oval and circular). Groups were further divided into three subgroups (n = 24) according to resin cement type: Maxcem Elite, Rely-X Unicem and Duo-Link. The volumes of voids within the cements were analysed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). The bond strength was then measured using a push-out test with an Instron universal testing machine. The failure modes were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using a three-way anova, Tukey's post hoc, Pearson's correlation and chi-square test (P = 0.05). RESULTS: The push-out bond strength values were significantly affected by root canal region, post type and cement type (P < 0.001). Root canal region, post type and cement type also significantly affected void volume (P < 0.001). There was a significant interaction between post type and cement type (P < 0.001). The most frequent failure type was adhesive failure in all the groups. There was no significant correlation between the push-out bond strength and void volume (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Void volume did not affect push-out bond strength of oval and circular posts luted in oval canals.

Glass Fiber Post/Composite Core Systems Bonded to Human Dentin: Analysis of Tensile Load vs Calculated Tensile Strength of Various Systems Using Pull-out Tests.

PURPOSE: Pull-out testing was used to determine the tensile load (TL) and tensile strength (TS) of five different fiber post systems bonded to human intracanal dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 120 caries-free premolars, canines, and maxillary central incisors were divided into 5 different groups for 5 fiber post systems (n = 24): 1. RelyX Fiber Post 3D (RX3D); 2. RelyX Fiber Post (RX); 3. Luxa- Post (LP); 4. FibreKleer 4X Tapered Post (FK); 5. ParaPost Taper Lux (PP). The teeth were prepared and posts inserted. Core buildups were performed with the corresponding product's resin composite. All specimens were stored in water for 24 h at 37°C. TL and TS were tested on half of the specimens (n = 12/group). The remaining samples were thermocycled (10,000 x 5°C/55°C) before testing. TL was directly measured and TS was calculated using the bonding surface. Failure modes were identified using a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using twoway ANOVA with the post-hoc Scheffé test, as well as the chi-squared test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: FK and LP resulted in the lowest mean TL but were not significantly different from those of RX and RX3D. The highest mean TL and TS were observed for PP. Nevertheless, PP fell within the same statistical subset as RX3D and RX. Thermocycling showed no impact on the results. RX3D predominantly showed debonding of the post plus core buildup from the tooth; all other systems mainly demonstrated detachment of the core from the posts. CONCLUSION: PP, RX, and RX3D together with an adhesive core buildup yielded the highest bond strength to human dentin. Parameters TL and TS showed the same tendencies and statistical evidence.

Effects of Dentin Moisture on Cementation of Fiber Posts to Root Canals.

PURPOSE: Achieving optimal moisture inside the root canal is a challenge during bonding of fiberglass posts. This study evaluated the effect of different moisture patterns on the push-out bond strength (PBS) and nanoleakage (NL) of fiber posts bonded to the root canal of two simplified etch-and-rinse adhesives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The roots of 72 human premolars were endodontically prepared and divided into 6 groups according to the combination of the main factors: adhesive (Ambar and Adper Single Bond 2) and moisture (dry, wet, and overwet). The posts were cemented and after 1 week, the roots were cross sectioned into 6 disks. Two disks each were obtained from the cervical, middle, and apical thirds, and the PBS test was carried out (0.5 mm/min; n = 8). The NL was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy after the immersion of specimens in 50% silver nitrate (n = 4). The failure pattern was examined on all debonded specimens. Data were analyzed by three-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's test (5%). RESULTS: For both adhesives, higher PBS values and lower NL were observed in the wet groups, and lower PBS and higher NL in the dry group. In general, the overwet condition showed intermediate results. CONCLUSIONS: The root dentin walls should be left slightly moist before performing fiber post cementation procedures.

Randomized clinical trial of the influence of impression technique on the fabrication of cast metal posts.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Direct and indirect techniques are used for intracanal impression and fabrication of cast metal posts. However, whether those techniques affect the accuracy of cast metal posts is unknown. PURPOSE: The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the accuracy of cast metal posts depending on tooth position and impression technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Endodontically treated teeth (anterior or posterior) planned to receive cast metal posts and complete crowns were randomized according to impression technique (direct or indirect). Impressions were made by 2 operators, and time for the impression was recorded. All impressions and cast metal posts were photographed to assess any possible differences between techniques in length of the cast metal post. RESULTS: All cast metal posts were shorter than the impressions. The mean reduction for the metal posts was 2.3% for direct in anterior teeth, 5.7% for direct in posterior teeth, 6.3% for indirect in anterior teeth, and 7.2% for indirect in posterior teeth (all P<.05). Statistically significant differences were found between time of technique and tooth position (P=.031), with the direct technique more time consuming than the indirect technique (P<.001) for both tooth positions. For the indirect technique, the impression times for both tooth groups were similar (P=.459). CONCLUSIONS: Both of the intracanal impression techniques resulted in cast posts that were shorter than the impressed post space. The discrepancy was greatest for the indirect technique. Nevertheless, all posts were considered clinically acceptable and were cemented.

Mini fiberglass post for composite resin restorations: A clinical report.

Threaded metal pins have been used to create additional retention for large composite resin restorations. However, their dark appearance may compromise esthetic outcome. The use of small fiberglass posts has been advocated as an alternative. This clinical report describes a mini fiberglass post (MFP) used to provide additional retention in a fractured anterior tooth that received a composite resin restoration. The MFP represents a promising option for creating additional retention for large composite resin restorations.

Successful Restoration of Severely Mutilated Primary Incisors Using a Novel Method to Retain Zirconia Crowns - Two Year Results.

AIM: This manuscript describes a simple reliable technique for restoring severely mutilated primary anterior teeth. A rigid glass ionomer post is created over which zirconia crowns can be fitted to achieve a long-term stable esthetic restoration for primary anterior teeth. STUDY DESIGN: Children aged 2-5 years with two up to six extensively decayed upper primary incisors were included. Fuji IX was condensed into an intracanal space created to a depth of 3mm, to provide a core which also extended 3mm supragingivally. Crown preparations were completed upon these cores. Zirconia crowns (Nusmile, Houston Texas USA) were fitted and cemented over the prepared cores. All patients were recalled at regular intervals. RESULTS: Twenty-three healthy children with 86 restorations participated in the study. The overall survival of the restorations was 95.3% after 12 months and 80.2% after 24 months. According to Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the median survival time was not reached while the estimated mean survival time was 22.9 months. CONCLUSIONS: This newly described clinical technique is simple and reliable to use for restoration of extensively decayed primary incisors. Use of zirconia crowns retained using this technique offers superior esthetic, durable restorations with remarkable gingival response up to 24 months.

Influence of different surface treatments on push-out bond strengths of fiber-reinforced posts luted with dual-cure resin cement.

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to evaluate whether fiber postsurface conditioning with air abrasion or erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser would influence the bond strength of dual-cure resin cement to the fiber-reinforced (FRC) posts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one FRC posts were divided into three groups according to surface treatment methods as follows: An untreated control group air abrasion with Al2O3group, and Er:YAG laser treated group with 150 mJ parameter. Fiber posts were then built up to dual-cure resin cement. Eighteen specimens were set and sectioned perpendicularly along the long axis of the post using a saw. Two disks (thickness of 2 mm) were obtained from each specimen (n = 12). Remaining three posts were stored for scanning electron microscopic evaluation. Push out test was performed on the each specimen and the values were recorded as MPa. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey post-hoc tests (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The bond strength values for the groups were as follows: Control (15, 28 MPa), air abrasion group (19, 73 MPa), and Er:YAG group (17, 84 MPa). Air abrasion affected the bond strength significantly (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Air abrasion attained higher bond strengths when FRC posts were luted to dual-cure resin cement. Additional studies should be designed with different types and parameters of laser devices to understand the effect of these devices on bond strength.

Influence of luting agent translucency on fiber post retention.

The aim was to assess the influence of cement translucency on the retentive strength of luted fiber posts. Twenty extracted human premolars were randomly divided into four equal groups, based on the combinations of materials to be tested. Two post types of the same size, shape, and chemical composition, but different light-transmission properties [Translucent post (TP) and Opaque post (OP)] were selected. The two post types were luted using the etch-and-rinse, light-curing adhesive in combination with two shades of the same resin cement of markedly different light-transmitting ability [Transparent shade (TS) and Opaque shade (OS)]. Early post retention was assessed using the thin-slice push-out test. Post type did not significantly influence post retention; however, cement translucency emerged as a relevant factor in intraradicular cementation, with the TS achieving higher push-out strengths. The between-factor interaction was also statistically significant; specifically, OP-OS yielded significantly lower retentive strengths than all the other groups. Post translucency did not influence post retention, provided that a highly translucent cement was utilized for luting.

Polymerization kinetics of resin cements after light activation through fibre posts: an in vitro study.

AIM: To measure the polymerization of light-cured (Variolink Veneer, VLV) and dual-cured (Variolink II, VLII) resin luting cements after light activation through different lengths of fibre post ex vivo. METHODOLOGY: Degree of conversion after prolonged direct light activation (PLA) [12 min after LED light activation for 3 min] was determined using ATR-FTIR. Models were then produced to allow samples of VLV and VLII (n = 5 each group) to be light-activated through 3, 6 and 9 mm lengths of fibre post (Fiber Lux). Degree of conversion was assessed by ATR-FTIR and expressed as a percentage of the degree of conversion achieved after PLA. Data were analysed using anova and Tukey's test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Mean [SD] degree of conversion for VLV and VLII after PLA was 57.97% [1.51] and 54.71% [3.77], respectively. Light activation of VLV through a 3 mm post produced 81.62% of the PLA value, compared with 71.03% for the 6 mm and 46.04% for the 9 mm post. Conversion after activation through 9 mm posts was significantly less than through 3 mm and 6 mm posts (P < 0.05). For VLII, activation through a 3 mm post produced 66.51% of the PLA value, compared with 54.38% for the 6 mm and 41.56% for the 9 mm post. A significant decrease in degree of conversion was noted for VLII as post length increased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The degree of conversion for VLV reduced after light activation through 9 mm posts when compared to 3 mm and 6 mm posts, whilst the degree of conversion for VLII decreased with every increase in post length.