Biomimetic Conditioning of Human Dentin Using Citric Acid.

INTRODUCTION: In carious teeth, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1) is released from the dentin matrix and possibly activated in an acidic environment. Conversely, EDTA solutions with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH are used in clinics to promote cell homing in regenerative endodontic procedures. We hypothesized that citric acid (CA) might be more beneficial. METHODS: TGF-ß1 release from human dentin disks conditioned with either 10% CA (pH = 2) or 17% EDTA (pH = 8) and the behavior of human stem cells toward such pretreated dentin were studied. The protein concentration in conditioning solutions after 10 minutes of dentin exposure was determined using a pH-independent slot blot technique. RESULTS: There was a 5-fold higher concentration of the target protein in CA (382 ± 30 ng/disk) compared with EDTA (66 ± 3 ng/disk, P < .005). Using confocal laser scanning microscopy on immunofluorescent-labeled disks, we identified a high density of TGF-ß1 in peritubular dentin after CA treatment. A migration assay showed that CA conditioning attracted significantly more stem cells toward the dentin after 24 hours compared with EDTA (P < .05) or phosphate-buffered saline (P < .005). To investigate whether the cell response to these dentin surfaces could be affected by different pretreatments, we cultured stem cells on conditioned dentin disks and found that CA had a significantly (P < .05) better effect than EDTA on cell attachment and cell survival. CONCLUSIONS: CA conditioning could be useful and may have significant benefits over current treatments.

Changes in deciduous and permanent dentinal tubules diameter after several conditioning protocols: In vitro study.

Innovators conditioning protocols are emerged in permanent dentin, however for deciduous dentin the information is limited; the aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro diameter of deciduous and permanent dentinal tubules after several conditioning protocols. Eighty dentin samples were distributed in sixteen groups (n = 5 p/g) and dentin surface was conditioned as follow: G1D/G1P acid etching; G2D/G2P, self-etch adhesive; G3D/G3P, G4D/G4P, Er: YAG laser irradiation at 200 mJ-25.5 J/cm2 and 300 mJ-38.2 J/cm2 , at 10 Hz under water spray respectively; G5D/G5P, G6D/G6P, G7D/G7P, and G8D/G8P were irradiated under the same energy densities followed phosphoric acid or self-etch adhesive conditioning. The sample dentin of deciduous and permanent teeth was analyzed with scanning electron microscopy and tubule diameter was evaluated by Image Tools Scandium program. Data were subjected to one-way analysis ANOVA to compare among groups with a level of significance at p ≤ .05. For deciduous dentin, diameters were from 1.52 ± 0.32 µm in G3D to 3.88 ± 0.37 µm in G1D; narrowest and widest diameter, respectively (p < .000). While permanent dentin tubules exhibited diameters from 1.16 ± 0.16/1.19 ± 0.12 µm in G7P/G8P to 2.76 ± 0.28 µm in G6P; narrowest and widest diameter, respectively (p < .000). All dentin conditioning protocols produced more open dentin tubules (diameter size) in deciduous dentin than permanent, specific conditioning protocols are required for each tissue (deciduous or permanent dentin), since same protocol produced stronger effects on primary dentin, which is important for dental clinical success in children and adolescents.

Antifungal and Mechanical Properties of Tissue Conditioner Containing Plant-Derived Component: An In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the antifungal activity and mechanical properties of a novel antifungal tissue conditioner containing Juncus powder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Juncus powder was mixed with GC tissue conditioner at concentrations of 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10.0% by mass. The cylindrical specimens of Juncus-mixed tissue conditioner (dimensions: 10 mm in diameter and 2 and 6 mm in height for antimicrobial and mechanical tests, respectively) were prepared. The specimens placed on the bottom of the 24-well tissue culture plate were cultured with Candida albicans CAD1 for 2 and 4 days. The proliferation of the C. albicans in the wells was determined by measuring the optical density of fungal culture, and the surface of the specimens were also observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To assess the mechanical properties of the specimens, the fluidity and hardness of Juncus-mixed tissue conditioner were measured using the methods certified according to ISO 10139-1. RESULTS: Juncus-mixed tissue conditioner significantly exhibited growth inhibitory effect in a Juncus concentration-dependent manner after both 2- and 4- day cultures. SEM observation showed that the amount of C. albicans on Juncus-mixed specimens drastically decreased, and biofilm formation was markedly inhibited. Moreover, both mechanical properties were found to be within the ranges regulated and specified by ISO. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated that the tissue conditioner including Juncus powder has a significant growth inhibitory effect against C. albicans, and it is suggested that the application of Juncus-mixed tissue conditioner may prevent denture stomatitis and oral candidiasis in denture wearers.

Condicionamento peri-implantar com restaurações provisórias em área estética: técnica de compressão dinâmica e otimização de moldagem na reprodução do perfil de emergência / Peri-implant conditioning with provisional restorations in the aesthetic area: dynamic compression technology and impression optimization to reproduce the emergence profile

A otimização estética de restaurações implantossuportadas é uma combinação da concordância visual entre prótese e arquitetura do tecido mole peri-implantar. A proposta deste artigo consiste na aplicação do método clínico de compressão dinâmica, de condicionamento tecidual ao redor do nível ósseo peri-implantar, utilizando resina flow para reprodução deste condicionamento no processo de moldagem. A técnica tem sido bastante eficaz e difundida em virtude da estabilização do adequado perfil de emergência, a fim de estabelecer a harmonia do contorno gengival com os dentes adjacentes, incluindo altura e largura dos zênites gengivais, tornando o perfil gengival mais triangular e mantendo a estabilidade das áreas de contatos proximais com dentes adjacentes aos implantes.

The esthetic enhancement for implant-supported restorations is a visual combination between prosthesis and its gingival architecture. The aim of this case report is to demonstrate the use of the clinical dynamic compression technique for peri-implant tissues with a flow composite resin during the impression procedures. This technique has proven its efficacy and been well established because it allows for an adequate emergence profile, generating harmony at the gingival contour of the adjacent teeth, including the position of the gingival zeniths, making the gingival profile more tapered while keeping the proximal contact areas between tooth and implants.

Esthetic Outcome of Implant Supported Crowns With and Without Peri-Implant Conditioning Using Provisional Fixed Prosthesis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Achieving an optimal esthetic result using dental implants is challenging. Fixed implant-supported provisional crowns are often used to customize the emergence profile and to individualize the surrounding peri-implant soft tissue. PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to evaluate whether the use of a provisional implant-supported crown leads to an esthetic benefit on implants that are placed in the esthetic zone. The null hypothesis is that there is no-difference between the two study groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty single implants (Bone Level, Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland) were inserted in consecutive patients. After reopening, a randomization process assigned them to either cohort group 1: a provisional phase with soft tissue conditioning using the "dynamic compression technique" or cohort group 2: without a provisional. Implants were finally restored with an all-ceramic crown. Follow-up examinations were performed at 3 and 12 months including implant success and survival, clinical, and radiographic parameters. RESULTS: After 1 year all implants successfully integrated, mean values of combined modPES and WES were 16.7 for group 1 and 10.5 for Group 2. This was statistically significant. Mean bone loss after 1 year was -0.09 and -0.08 for groups 1 and 2, respectively, without being statistically significant. CONCLUSION: A provisional phase with soft tissue conditioning does improve the final esthetic result.

Antimicrobial activity of a tissue conditioner combined with a biocide polymer.

BACKGROUND: The characteristics of tissue conditioners support microorganism development that can threaten the health of the dentures user. PURPOSE: The object of this study was to evaluate the effect on antimicrobial activity, roughness and wettability surface of a tissue conditioners material combined with the antimicrobial polymer poly (2-tert-butilaminoethyl) methacrylate (PTBAEMA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens of tissue conditioner (Coe Soft(®)) were divided into three groups, according to the concentration of PTBAEMA incorporated (0, 10 and 25%). Antimicrobial activity was assessed by adherence assay of one of the microorganisms, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Roughness measurements were made using a Mitutoyo SJ-400, and the mean arithmetic roughness values (Ra) obtained were used for the comparisons. The wettability properties were determined by contact angle measurements. RESULTS: The group containing 25% of PTBAEMA inhibited totally the S. aureus and S. mutans biofilm formation. A significant reduc tion in the S. aureus (Kruskal-Wallis, p = 0,001) and S. mutans (Kruscal-Wallis, p = 0,001) count for 10% PTBAEMA group compared with respective control group. No significant difference was found for C. albicans among PTBAEMA groups and control group (ANOVA, p > 0,05). Incorporating 10 and 25% PTBAEMA increased surface roughness and decreased contact angles (ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests, α = 5%). CONCLUSION: Incorporating 10% PTBAEMA into tissue conditioner increases wettability and roughness of tissue conditioner surface; and decreases the adhesion of S. mutans and S. aureus on material surface, but did not exhibit antimicrobial effect against C. albicans. SIGNIFICANCE: The PTBAEMA incorporated into tissue conditioner could prevent biofilm formation on elderly patient.

Evaluation of fibroblast attachment in root conditioning with Er, Cr:YSGG laser versus EDTA: a SEM study.

The regeneration of periodontal support is a main concern in periodontal therapy. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of Er, Cr:YSGG laser and EDTA based conditioning in attachment of fibroblast on root surfaces. This in vitro study was conducted on 81 root plates (6 mm × 4 mm × 1 mm) prepared from 27 single-rooted human mature teeth. The samples were divided into three groups: (1) Er, Cr: YSGG laser conditioning with a G6 tip (2.78 µm, 0.75 W, pulse duration of 140 µs, repetition rate of 20 Hz) for 5-7 s; (2) EDTA conditioning (17%, pH: 8) for 1 min; and (3) the control group which were exposed neither to EDTA nor laser. The viability and proliferation rates assessments were performed using MTT assay on days 3 and 5. In addition, the level of cell attachment was studied using scanning electron microscopy. The data indicated Er, Cr:YSGG conditioning increased cell viability by lapse of time (from days 3-5), with significantly better cell attachment compared to the other groups on days 3 and 5 (P < 0.05). In addition, increasing cell attachment in the EDTA conditioning group compared with the control group was statistically significant on day 5 but not on day 3 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Er, Cr:YSGG laser conditioning can promote enhance fibroblast attachment on dentinal root surfaces more than EDTA.

Comparative study on morphologic changes and cell attachment of periodontitis-affected root surfaces following conditioning with CO2 and Er:YAG laser irradiations.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical application of lasers in periodontal therapy has continued to expand in last decades; however there are still some controversies. The present study aimed to compare the conditioning effects of the carbon dioxide (CO2) or erbium-doped: yttrium, aluminum and garnet (Er:YAG) laser on periodontally diseased root surfaces following scaling and root planing (SRP) in terms of the alteration of morphologies as well as the attachment of periodontal ligament cells. METHODS: Forty-five periodontally affected root specimens were prepared and randomly assigned into three groups: I control (untreated diseased), II. SRP+CO2 laser (pulsed, noncontact mode), and III. SRP+Er:YAG laser (slight contact mode). After treatment, five specimens in each group were used for surface topographic examination. The remaining 10 specimens in each group were incubated with human periodontal ligament cell suspension. All the specimens were finally evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The control specimens showed the lowest number of cultured cells, mostly in oval shape, with no tightly attached cells. The CO2 lased specimens showed a significant increase in the number of attached cells compared with controls, but demonstrated some major thermal alterations on the surfaces. The Er:YAG lased specimens showed the significantly highest number of attached cells, mostly in flat form, and did not show distinct thermal damage. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that compared with the CO2 laser, the Er:YAG laser may constitute a more useful conditioning tool for enhancing periodontal cell attachment to periodontally diseased root surfaces, with fewer undesirable thermal side effects.

Peri-implant soft tissue conditioning with provisional restorations in the esthetic zone: the dynamic compression technique.

An optimal esthetic implant restoration is a combination of a visually pleasing prosthesis and surrounding peri-implant soft tissue architecture. This article introduces a clinical method, the dynamic compression technique, of conditioning soft tissues around bone-level implants with provisional restorations in the esthetic zone. The technique has several goals: to establish an adequate emergence profile; to recreate a balanced mucosa course and level in harmony with the gingiva of the adjacent teeth, including papilla height/width, localization of the mucosal zenith and the tissue profile's triangular shape; as well as to establish an accurate proximal contact area with the adjacent tooth/implant crown.

Fabricating an interim immediate partial denture in one appointment (modified jiffy denture). A clinical report.

An immediate denture is fabricated before all the remaining teeth have been removed. Its advantages include maintenance of a patient's appearance, muscle tone, facial height, tongue size, and normal speech and reduction of postoperative pain. The purpose of this study is to describe the use of a patient's fixed prosthesis for fabricating an interim immediate partial denture in one appointment. Occlusion, occlusal vertical dimension, and facial support are maintained during the healing period in this procedure.

Gingival conditioning in an implant-supported prosthesis: a clinical report.

The loss of gingival volume is a major challenge for dental surgeons with implant-supported fixed prosthesis manufactures, particularly from an aesthetics perspective in patients with a high smile line. Gingival tissue remodeling can help in papillae formation to avoid soft tissue surgery by reestablishing the appropriate shape and gingival contour of the tissues. This improves not only the aesthetics, but also the phonetics of the patient. This paper describes a clinical case of gingival conditioning obtained with interim implant-supported fixed partial dentures via incremental addition and adjustment of acrylic resin. The purpose of the gingival conditioning was to obtain improved aesthetics. Gingival conditioning by gradual pressure application is presented as an easy, non-traumatic technique that improves gingival aesthetics.

[Enamel laser conditioning before sealant application].

The purpose of this study was to investigate the advantages offered by enamel laser conditioning before sealants application. 150 teeth of 50 patients were subdivided randomly into three groups. In each patient one tooth was etched with 37% orthophosphoric acid for 30 seconds, a second one with Er:YAG laser and orthophosphoric acid for 30 seconds and a third one exclusively with laser beam. Checks of the integrity of sealants applied were made at 3, 6, 12 months. The group treated with laser and orthophosphoric acid showed the best retention scores after 3, 6, 12 months. Enamel laser conditioning before sealants application reduced sealants fractures and loss during the observation time span.

The dynamic viscoelasticity and plasticizer leachability of tissue conditioners.

OBJECTIVES: Dynamic viscoelasticity is one of the most important characteristics of tissue conditioners. Leaching of plasticizer from tissue conditioners may cause changes in the dynamic viscoelasticity of these materials. The purpose of this study was to determine the dynamic viscoelasticity and plasticizer leachability of commercial tissue conditioners. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five commercial tissue conditioners were used in this study: COE Comfort (CC), Fit Softer (FS), Hydro-Cast (HC), Soft Conditioner (SC) and Visco-Gel (VG). Five specimens of each material were stored in 37°C distilled water. The dynamic viscoelasticity and plasticizer leaching of each specimen were measured at 0, 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after immersion using a dynamic mechanical analyzer and high performance liquid chromatography. Data were analyzed using one-way anova and Student-Newman-Keuls test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Significant differences in dynamic viscoelasticity and plasticizer leaching were found among the materials. The dynamic viscoelasticity of all materials increased or decreased significantly with time. Rapid changes in dynamic viscoelasticity were evident on day 1 after water immersion. The material CC recorded the highest level of plasticizer leaching. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the dynamic viscoelasticity of commercial tissue conditioners is affected by plasticizer leaching. However, these effects are limited.

Assessment of combination techniques in enhancing the regenerative potential of tricalcium phosphate graft in treatment of infrabony periodontal defects.

AIMS: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare the clinical outcome of infrabony defects following reconstructive surgery with the use of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) alone; TCP and citric acid (CA) root conditioning; and TCP, CA, and oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) membrane. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine systemically healthy subjects with vertical infrabony defect were initially selected based on intraoral periapical radiographs and clinical examination to record probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Only 21 defects revealed two-walled configuration on surgical debridement. These defects were selected and randomly allotted to the study groups. Group 1 defects were treated with TCP, group 2 with TCP+CA, and group 3 with TCP+CA+ORC. PPD, CAL, defect depth (DD), and level of alveolar crest (AC) were evaluated at the time of initial surgery and after 6 months at surgical re-entry. These measurements were utilized to calculate PPD reduction, CAL gain, defect fill (DF), %defect fill (%DF), and crestal resorption (CR). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: A paired t-test was used for assessing changes in each group. Unpaired t-test was used for intergroup comparisons. RESULTS: All three groups showed statistically significant PPD reduction, CAL gain, DF, and %DF, but insignificant CR at the end of 6 months. On intergroup comparison, no statistically significant differences were noted between the groups for all the parameters. CONCLUSION: Efficacy of combination techniques using TCP+CA; TCP+CA+ORC in treatment of periodontal infrabony defects is at least equal to that of TCP alone.

The effectiveness of magnesium oxide combined with tissue conditioners in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans: an in vitro study.

CONTEXT: The presence of Candida albicans on the fitting surface of the denture is a major causative factor in denture stomatitis. A treatment method is by combining tissue conditioner and antifungal agents. AIMS: The main objective of this study is to test the efficacy of magnesium oxide combined with two tissue conditioners (Viscogel and GC Soft), in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Microbiological study was done in the Department of Microbiology, K S Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte University, Mangalore. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 154 plates were prepared using Muller Hilton with Glucose and Methylene Blue dye medium and inoculated with 24-hr old standard Candida culture. Plates were divided into control and combination. Test discs with different concentrations of MgO were equidistantly placed in MgO Control, while sterile discs embedded with respective tissue conditioner were equidistantly placed in Viscogel and GC Soft controls. For combination groups, the tissue conditioners were mixed and the discs with MgO (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%) were embedded in the mix. After 24 h of incubation, inhibition diameters were noted. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data was analysed using Mann Whitney U Test, ANOVA, Tukey HSD test. Results : The inhibition effect of magnesium oxide 1% combined with tissue conditioners (VGC and GCC) is not significant in both the groups. The inhibition effect of MgO 5% and 7% combined with tissue conditioners (VGC and GCC) is very highly significant ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium oxide in combination with tissue conditioners are effective against Candida albicans; GC soft with magnesium oxide showed a better result than Viscogel with magnesium oxide; Increasing the concentration of magnesium oxide increases the zone of inhibition of Candida albicans.

Enhanced ß-tricalcium phosphate blended clot adhesion to EDTA biomodulated periodontally affected root surfaces: in vivo scanning electron microscopy evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to evaluate ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) blended clot adhesion to EDTA-conditioned root surfaces. METHODS: Sixty patients with chronic periodontitis and two teeth designated for extraction were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into six groups (G1 to G6; 10 patients in each). In G1, intrabony defects were grafted with ß-TCP with a particle size ranging from 150 to 500 µm. In G2, intrabony defects were grafted with ß-TCP with a particle size ranging from 63 to 150 µm. Roots in G3 were etched for 2 minutes with a neutral EDTA, followed by defect overfill of the ß-TCP used for G1. Defects of G4 were treated by the same method as in G3, except the EDTA gel application was 4 minutes. Roots in G5 and G6 were etched for 2 and 4 minutes, respectively, followed by the defect fill with ß-TCP used for G2. For each patient, one tooth was extracted immediately after surgery and the other tooth was extracted at 14 days for scanning electron microscopy evaluation. RESULTS: Fourteen days after surgery, the G1 and G2 samples revealed undetected graft particles. The G3 samples showed areas of adherent ß-TCP particles covering about 42.5%. The G4 samples showed 53.7% graft material coverage. The G5 and G6 samples had adherent grafted particles that covered 77.9% and 82.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Root conditioning with EDTA gel improves ß-TCP blended clot adhesion to periodontally involved root surfaces.

Water evaporation from substrate tooth surface during dentin treatments.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the quantity of water evaporation from tooth surfaces. The amount of water evaporation was measured using Multi probe adapter MPA5 and Tewameter TM300 (Courage+Khazaka Electric GmbH, Köln, Germany) after acid etching and GM priming of enamel; and after EDTA conditioning and GM priming of dentin. The results indicated that the amount of water evaporation from the enamel surface was significantly less than that from the dentin. Acid etching did not affect the water evaporation from enamel, though GM priming significantly decreased the evaporation (83.48 ± 15.14% of that before priming). The evaporation from dentin was significantly increased by EDTA conditioning (131.38 ± 42.08% of that before conditioning) and significantly reduced by GM priming (80.26 ± 7.43% of that before priming). It was concluded that dentin priming reduced water evaporation from the dentin surface.

Clinical and microbiological efficacy of three different treatment methods in the management of denture stomatitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated. the effect of mouthrinses and tissue conditioner on the clinical findings and microbial flora of 60 patients with Newton's type II denture stomatitis (N2DS) BACKGROUND: Denture stomatitis is a common problem in complete denture wearers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with N2DS were included in this study and divided into three groups. Two groups of patients were instructed to rinse their mouth with the designated mouthrinses DioxiDent and Corsodyl twice daily for 1 min and to soak their dentures overnight in these solutions for 15 days. For the third group, tissue conditioner was placed in each of 20 patients' existing maxillary dentures. Patients were evaluated both clinically and microbiologically at baseline and after 15 days. Palatal swabs and smears were taken from each patient before and after treatment and these samples were examined mycologically. The difference between Candida colonisation before and after treatment and the differences between pre-treatment and post-treatment clinical findings were assessed. RESULTS: DioxiDent and Corsodyl showed an improvement in palatal inflammation and a decrease in Candida colonisation compared to Visco-gel. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of topical chlorine dioxide and chlorhexidine gluconate in the management of N2DS was demonstrated.

Effects of endodontic post surface treatment, dentin conditioning, and artificial aging on the retention of glass fiber-reinforced composite resin posts.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Several post surface treatments with or without the application of a bonding agent have been recommended to improve the bond strength of resin cements to posts. A regimen that produces the maximum bond strength of glass fiber-reinforced composite resin posts has not been verified. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of post surface conditioning methods and artificial aging on the retention and microleakage of adhesively luted glass fiber-reinforced composite resin posts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-two endodontically treated single-rooted teeth were prepared for glass fiber-reinforced composite resin posts. The posts were submitted to 3 different surface treatments (n=24), including no treatment, etching with phosphoric acid, and airborne-particle abrasion. Subgroups of the posts (n=8) were then allocated for 3 different experimental conditions: no artificial aging, no bonding agent; no artificial aging, bonding agent; or artificial aging, bonding agent. The posts were luted with resin cement (Calibra). Post retention was measured in tension at a crosshead speed of 2 mm/min. The posts assigned for microleakage investigation were placed in fuchsin dye for 72 hours. The dislodged posts and the post spaces were examined microscopically to evaluate the mode of failure and explore the microleakage. Data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA followed by Tukey HSD test (alpha=.05). RESULTS: The mean (SD) retention values for test groups ranged from 269 (63.8) to 349 (52.2) N. The retention values of the airborne-particle-abrasion group were significantly higher than those of the acidic-treatment and no-treatment groups. The application of bonding agent on the post surface produced no significant influence on retention. The mean retention values after artificial aging were significantly higher than without artificial aging. Microscopic evaluation demonstrated that the failure mode was primarily mixed. CONCLUSIONS: Treating the surface of the posts with phosphoric acid for 15 seconds before cementation produced no significant improvement in post retention. Airborne-particle abrasion of the surface of the post significantly improved post retention.