Evaluation of the effect of different surface treatments on the surface morphology of two commercially available glass fiber posts: A scanning electron microscopy study

Abstract

ObjectivesTo determine the effect of different surface treatments on the surface morphology of two commercially available glass fiber posts using scanning electron microscope. Materials & methodsTwo commercially available glass fiber posts i.e. Easy posts (Dentsply, Mallefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and Rely X posts (3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany) were selected for this study. The glass fiber post were divided into 4 groups according to the surface treatments given i.e. Group I-No surface treatment (control), Group II – Etching with 36% phosphoric acid for 15 s, Group III – Etching with 4.5% hydrofluoric acid for 60 s, and Group IV-Air surface abrasion with 50um alumina oxide particles at 2.5 bar pressure for 5 s. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) under 800× magnifications was used to analyze and compare the untreated i.e. control group and treated groups. ResultsSEM analysis of the posts revealed that in control group, both the posts showed evenly distributed, parallel oriented glass fibers surrounded by uniform matrix. Easy post showed relatively smooth surface compared to Rely X post. Etching with 36% phosphoric acid showed more erosion in Rely X post than Easy post. Etching with 4.5% hydrofluoric acid showed greater impact on both the posts as compared to 36% phosphoric acid etching but the alteration in morphology was seen more extensively in the Easy post than Rely X posts. Air abrasion with 50 um Al2O3 particles created rougher surface as compared to 36% phosphoric acid and 4.5% hydrofluoric acid etching. The surface of Easy post was rougher than Rely X post after air abrasion with 50um alumina particles. ConclusionScanning electron microscopy revealed that the surface morphology of both the brands of glass fiber post was altered after surface treatment with 36% phosphoric acid; 4.5% hydrofluoric acid and Air abrasion with 50um alumina particles. These surface changes were minimum for 36% phosphoric acid group and maximum for Air abrasion with 50um alumina particles.