Effect of three glass fiber post removal techniques on the amount of removed root dentin ''An in vitro study

Abstract

Introduction: Glass fiber posts removal is a major obstacle in nonsurgical endodontic retreatment. The currently used removal techniques cause tooth structure loss in different amount. The aim of this study was to evaluate three glass fiber post removal techniques according to their effect on the amount of removed root dentin. Materials and Methods: Endodontic treatment was accomplished for 45 extracted single-rooted teeth. The teeth were decoronated and roots were cut apically at (11 mm) then fiber post spaces were prepared. Photographs of the apical cross-section for post space were taken using a camera at a magnification of 40. Fiber posts were cemented with dual cure resin cement. Then, the samples were divided into three groups (n = 15) depending on the fiber post removal technique: Group (I) DT post removal Kit, Group (II) ultrasonic tips E4D and Group (III) diamond bur and Peeso reamer. Posts were removed and images of the previous section were taken under the same magnification. AutoCAD program was used to compare the spaces difference between before and after removal images. Data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The average percentage of removed dentin was (1.89, 0.48, 0.09) cm2 in Groups I, II, and III, respectively. Group I showed the highest amount of removed dentin comparing to other groups, but no significant difference between Group II and Group III was recorded (P = 0.000). Conclusion: DT post removal kit group was the most aggressive technique for removing glass fiber.