Composite Posts Research Articles

Effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser surface conditioning on the adhesion of fiber- reinforced composite and zirconia intraradicular posts to the root dentin

This study evaluated the influence of Er,Cr:YSGG laser surface conditioning on push-out bond strength of different root posts to the root dentin. Extracted (N = 27, n = 9 per group) and endodontically treated human mandibular premolars were prepared to receive the posts. Three types of posts, namely quartz fiber (D), glass fiber (S), and zirconium dioxide post (C) were luted with resin cement. The posts were randomly assigned to one of the surface conditioning method: (a) No conditioning, control (L0), (b) Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 175 mJ, 3.5 W for 60 s (L1), and (c) at 225 mJ, 4.5 W for 60 s, with 60 μs pulse duration and repetition rate was 20 Hz (L2) irradiation. Six sections (two coronal, two middle, and two apical) were made in each tooth yielding to 1 mm thick specimens. The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 24 h and push-out bond strength (MPa) was tested in a Universal Testing Machine (1 mm/min). Data were analyzed using Kruskall–Wallis and Dunns`s post hoc tests (α = 0.05). In group D, both laser treated groups (L1:16.16 ± 19.89; L2:8.24 ± 9.26) presented significantly less bond strength compared to control group (L0:28.3 ± 16.8) (p < 0.001). Mean push-out bond strength values did not significantly differ according to the root segments (coronal, middle, and apical) (p = 0.106). Application of Er,Cr:YSGG laser, with the parameters tested, did not increase the bond strength of zirconium glass fiber and zirconium oxide posts. Laser surface conditioning decreased the bond strength of quartz fiber posts in the root canal.

Effect of fiber posts on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated anterior teeth with cervical cavities: An in vitro study

Statement of problemHow the placement of fiber posts affects the fracture resistance of endodontically treated maxillary central incisors with cervical cavities is not well documented. PurposeThe 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 cervical cavities. Material and methodsFifty extracted human maxillary central incisors were selected and divided into 5 test groups (n=10) according to the restoration strategy: GHT, control group; endodontically treated teeth (ETT) without endodontic posts; GCV, ETT with cervical cavities simulating coronal destruction; GCF, ETT with cervical cavities and carbon fiber posts; GGF, ETT with cervical cavities and glass fiber posts; and GCP, ETT with cervical cavities and composite resin posts. After the fiber posts had been cemented with a resin cement and the foundations had been placed, all specimens were quasi statically loaded at 45 degrees in a universal testing machine until fracture. All specimens were evaluated for fracture modes. The data were then analyzed by 1-way ANOVA, followed by multiple comparisons with the Tukey HSD test (α=.05). The mode of failure was determined by visual inspection. ResultsThe mean ±SD failure loads for the groups ranged from 718.2 ±89.8 N to 943.8 ±93.1 N. In a 1-way ANOVA followed by post hoc testing, GGFs had a higher fracture strength than all other groups (P≤.05). However, GCPs had a lower fracture strength than all other groups. Statistically significant differences were observed among groups (P≤.05), except between the GHT group and the GCF and GGF groups (P=.075, P=.226). All groups except GHT showed complete favorable fracture mode within the cervical third of the roots. ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this in vitro study, placement of glass fiber posts significantly improved the fracture resistance of endodontically treated maxillary central incisors with cervical cavities.

Correlation between the Mechanical Properties and Structural Characteristics of Different Fiber Posts Systems.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the flexural strength and flexural modulus of different fiber-reinforcement composite (FRC) posts and determine the correlation between mechanical properties and structural characteristics. Eleven brands of fiber posts were analyzed (n=10): Exacto Cônico (Angelus), DT Light SL (VDW), RelyX Fiber Post (3M-Espe), Glassix Radiopaque (Nordim), Para Post Fiber White (Coltène), FRC Postec Plus (Ivoclar), Aestheti-Plus Post (Bisco), Superpost Cônico Estriado (Superdont), Superpost Ultrafine (Superdont), Reforpost (Angelus), and White Post DC (FGM). The posts were loaded in three-point bending test to calculate the flexural strength and flexural modulus using a mechanical testing machine (EMIC 2000 DL) at 0.5 mm/min. Data were submitted to one-way ANOVA and Scott-Knot test (p<0.05). The cross-sections of the posts were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Correlation between the mechanical properties and each of the structural variables was calculated by Pearson's correlation coefficients (p<0.05). The flexural strength values ranged from 493 to 835 MPa and were directly correlated with the fiber/matrix ratio (p=0.011). The flexural modulus ranged from 4500 to 8824 MPa and was inversely correlated with the number of fibers per mm2 of post (p<0.001). It was concluded that the structural characteristics significantly affected the properties of the FRC posts. The structural characteristic and mechanical properties of fiber glass posts are manufacture-dependent. A linear correlation between flexural strength and fiber/matrix ratio, as well as the flexural modulus and the amount of fiber was found.

Effects of metal- and fiber-reinforced composite root canal posts on flexural properties.

The aim of this study was to observe the effects of different test conditions on the flexural properties of root canal post. Metal- and fiber-reinforced composite root canal posts of various diameters were measured to determine flexural properties using a threepoint bending test at different conditions. In this study, the span length/post diameter ratio of root canal posts varied from 3.0 to 10.0. Multiple regression models for maximum load as a dependent variable were statistically significant. The models for flexural properties as dependent variables were statistically significant, but linear regression models could not be fitted to data sets. At a low span length/post diameter ratio, the flexural properties were distorted by occurrence of shear stress in short samples. It was impossible to obtain high span length/post diameter ratio with root canal posts. The addition of parameters or coefficients is necessary to appropriately represent the flexural properties of root canal posts.

Popular Approaches on Post Systems and Clinical Studies on Fiber Post Systems

Protection of the remaining tooth structure for long term success after root canal treatment, preserving the ferrule effect around the root and adhesion of root canal post are considered as the most important factors. Long term success of fiber posts bonded with adhesive systems is associated with the bio-mimetic nature of posts reducing vertical fractures. While the most encountered reason of failure in metal posts is root fracture, post decementation is also in fiber posts. Root canal morphology, preparation of post space, translucency of post and the adhesive cement type are some of the many factors affecting adhesion of fiber posts. The most reliable results in fiber post cementation are obtained with dual cure resin cements combined with acid-etched, rinsed adhesives. Silanization following silica coating takes a great place in post cementation. It was shown in studies that fiber posts could be used as an alternative to metal posts and zirconia posts used in root canal treated teeth like other tooth coloured posts. Composite posts among contemporary fiber-reinforced post systems, zirconia posts and content of polyethylene fiber posts, their adhesion to root canal and dentine and studies performed about these posts were evaluated in this review.

Fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with Zirconia filler containing composite core material and fiber posts

Objectives:To assess the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth with a novel Zirconia (Zr) nano-particle filler containing bulk fill resin composite.Methods:Forty-five freshly extracted maxillary central incisors were endodontically treated using conventional step back preparation and warm lateral condensation filling. Post space preparation was performed using drills compatible for fiber posts (Rely X Fiber Post) on all teeth (n=45), and posts were cemented using self etch resin cement (Rely X Unicem). Samples were equally divided into three groups (n=15) based on the type of core materials, ZirconCore (ZC) MulticCore Flow (MC) and Luxacore Dual (LC). All specimens were mounted in acrylic resin and loads were applied (Universal testing machine) at 130° to the long axis of teeth, at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until failure. The loads and the site at which the failures occurred were recorded. Data obtained was tabulated and analyzed using a statistical program. The means and standard deviations were compared using ANOVA and Multiple comparisons test.Results:The lowest and highest failure loads were shown by groups LC (18.741±3.02) and MC (25.16±3.30) respectively. Group LC (18.741±3.02) showed significantly lower failure loads compared to groups ZC (23.02±4.21) and MC (25.16±3.30) (p<0.01). However groups ZC (23.02±4.21) and MC (25.16±3.30) showed comparable failure loads (p=0.23).Conclusions:Fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with Zr filler containing bulk fill composite cores was comparable to teeth restored with conventional Zr free bulk fill composites. Zr filled bulk fill composites are recommended for restoration of endodontically treated teeth as they show comparable fracture resistance to conventional composite materials with less catastrophic failures.

Mechanical properties related to the microstructure of seven different fiber reinforced composite posts

PURPOSEThe aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the mechanical properties (bending strength and hardness) of seven different fiber reinforced composite posts, in relation to their microstructural characteristics.MATERIALS AND METHODSTwo hundred eighty posts were divided into seven groups of 40, one group for each type of post analyzed. Within each group, 15 posts were subjected to three-point bending strength test, 15 to a microhardess meter for the Knoop hardness, and 10 to Scanning Electron Microscope in order to determine the diameter of the fibers and the percentage of fibers embedded in the matrix. To compare the flexural strength in relation to the type of fiber, matrix, and the hardness of the posts, a Kruskal-Wallis H test was used. The Jonckheere-Terpstra test was used to determine if the volume percent of fibers in the post influenced the bending strength.RESULTSThe flexural strength and the hardness depended on the type of fibers that formed the post. The lower flexural strength of a post could be due to deficient bonding between the fiber and the resin matrix.CONCLUSIONAccording to the results, other factors, besides the microstructural characteristics, may also influence the mechanical properties of the post. The feature that has more influence on the mechanical properties of the posts is the type of fiber.

Effects of hydrogen peroxide pretreatment and heat activation of silane on the shear bond strength of fiber-reinforced composite posts to resin cement.

PURPOSETo evaluate the effects of hydrogen peroxide pretreatment and heat activation of silane on the shear bond strength of fiber-reinforced composite posts to resin cement.MATERIALS AND METHODSThe specimens were prepared to evaluate the bond strength of epoxy resin-based fiber posts (D.T. Light-Post) to dual-curing resin cement (RelyX U200). The specimens were divided into four groups (n=18) according to different surface treatments: group 1, no treatment; group 2, silanization; group 3, silanization after hydrogen peroxide etching; group 4, silanization with warm drying at 80℃ after hydrogen peroxide etching. After storage of the specimens in distilled water at 37℃ for 24 hours, the shear bond strength (in MPa) between the fiber post and resin cement was measured using a universal testing machine. The fractured surface of the fiber post was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc analysis with Tukey's HSD test (α=0.05).RESULTSSilanization of the fiber post (Group 2) significantly increased the bond strength in comparison with the non treated control (Group 1) (P<.05). Heat drying after silanization also significantly increased the bond strength (Group 3 and 4) (P<.05). However, no effect was determined for hydrogen peroxide etching before applying silane agent (Group 2 and 3) (P>.05).CONCLUSIONFiber post silanization and subsequent heat treatment (80℃) with warm air blower can be beneficial in clinical post cementation. However, hydrogen peroxide etching prior to silanization was not effective in this study.

Evaluation of Shear Bond Strength of Composite Resin to Dentin after Etching with Er,Cr:YSGG Laser And Conventional Acid Etch (An In Vitro Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate shear bond strength of composite to dentin after etching with conventional acid, Er,Cr:YSGG laser a nd Er,Cr:YSGG laser in conjunction with acid. Thirty recently extracted lower third molars were collected. Scaling and polishing of teeth were done. Roots of teeth were embedded inside self cured acrylic resin blocks to form acrylic base with occlusal surfaces parallel to base of blocks. Crowns of teeth were sectioned at one third of the crowns to obtain a flat dentin surfaces. Total number of samples were divided into 3 groups each of one contained (10) samples as following : Group 1- dentin surfaces wer e treated with 35% phosphoric acid only. Group 2- dentin surfaces were treated with Er,Cr:YSGG laser only. Group 3- dentin surfaces were initially treated with Er,Cr:YSGG laser, then with 35% phosphoric acid. Bonding agent was applied to dentin surfaces and composite was applied by using rubber mold then light cured. Composite posts were released from molds then shear bond strength was measured. Statistical analysis showed that there was significan t difference among all groups and acid etching group showed signif icant highest Shear bond strength followed by group of laser &amp; acid etching then group of laser etching showed the significant lea st shear bond strength. From this study it can be concluded that et ching of dentin with Er,Cr:YSGG laser can produce shear bond strength weaker than that of conventional acid etching.

Effect of timing for core preparation, luting cement type and root level on adhesion of fiber posts to intraradicular dentin

This study assessed the effect of timing of core preparation and luting cement on adhesion of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts on different levels of intraradicular dentin when cemented with either conventional dual-polymerized or self-adhesive resin cement. Single-rooted human teeth (N = 80) were endodontically treated and randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 40) according to resin cement: (a) Conventional dual resin cement (Variolink II, V) or (b) Self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200, R). They were further divided into two subgroups according to timing of core preparation (n = 20): (a) immediate (i) or (b) delayed (d). FRC posts (Cytec Blanco) were cemented and the roots were sliced into discs at the coronal, middle, and apical levels. Push-out tests were then performed in a Universal Testing Machine (1 mm/min). Data (MPa) were analyzed using three-way ANOVA and Tukey’s tests considering the factors ‘core preparation time’, ‘luting cement’, and ‘root level’ (α = 0.05). Type of luting cement (p < 0.001), time of core preparation (p < 0.001), and root level (p < 0.001) significantly affected the bond strength results. R cement was more significantly affected by core preparation time (Ri: 2.91 ± 1.1; Rd: 4.83 ± 1.68) compared to V cement (Vi: 2.92 ± 1.63; Vd: 2.65 ± 1.6) (p < 0.05). Coronal region demonstrated significantly higher bond strength values than those of middle and apical third in all groups (coronal: 4 ± 1.9; middle: 3.1 ± 1.4; apical: 2.4 ± 1.1) (p < 0.05). Adhesive failure between cement and dentin was the most frequent (64%) followed by adhesive failure between cement and post (18%). Delayed core preparation can improve bond strength of FRC posts to intraradicular dentin when cemented with self-adhesive cement compared to conventional dual-polymerized resin cement.

Degree of conversion and adhesion of methacrylate-based resin cements with phosphonic or phosphoric acid acrylate to glass fiber posts at different regions of intraradicular dentin

This study evaluated the degree of conversion (DC) and adhesion of methacrylate-based resin cements to glass fiber posts at different regions of intraradicular dentin. Single-rooted teeth (N = 24, n = 12 per group) were cut at the cement–enamel junction (CEJ), endodontically treated and post space (depth = 8 mm) was prepared. Teeth were randomly divided into two groups according to the resin cements: (a) Group ML: methacrylate-based cement with phosphonic acid acrylate (Multilink Automix, Ivoclar Vivadent); (b) Group RXU: methacrylate-based cement with phosphoric acid acrylate (RelyX Unicem 2 Automix, 3 M ESPE). Fiber-reinforced composite root posts (RelyX Fiber Post, 3 M ESPE) were cemented according to the manufacturers’ instructions of the resin cements. Root slices of 2-mm thickness (n = 3 per tooth) were cut below the CEJ 1, 3, and 5 mm apically. The DC of each section was analyzed with micro-Raman spectrometer and push-out test was performed in the Universal Testing Machine (0.5 mm/min). After debonding, all specimens were analyzed using optical microscope to categorize the failure modes. While data (MPa) were statistically evaluated using Kruskal Wallis, Mann–Whitney U tests for DC data 3-way ANOVA and Tukey’s tests were used (α = 0.05). Regardless of the resin cement type, the mean push-out bond strength results (MPa), were significantly higher for the coronal slices (ML: 9.1 ± 2.7; RXU: 7.3 ± 4.1) than those of the most apical ones (ML: 7 ± 4.9; RXU: 2.89 ± 1.5) (p = 0.002). Resin cement type and (p < 0.001) root level (p = 0.002) significantly affected the DC values, while the interaction terms were not significant (p = 0.606). Overall, DC was significantly higher for ML (67 ± 8.2%) than RXU (26 ± 8.8%) (p < 0.001). Adhesive failures at the cement–dentin interface were more commonly experienced in RXU than in ML, whereas ML presented more incidences of adhesive failures at the cement–post interface. Considering the push-out bond strength, DC and failure types, methacrylate-based cement with phosphonic acid acrylate should be preferred to those containing phosphoric acid to adhere glass fiber posts in the root canal.

Influence of Different Surface Treatment and Type of luting Cement on the Retention of Glass Fiber Reinforced Composite Posts.

Influence of Different Surface Treatment and Type of luting Cement on the Retention of Glass Fiber Reinforced Composite Posts.

Retentive strength of fiber-reinforced composite posts with composite resin cores: Effect of remaining coronal structure and root canal dentin conditioning protocols

Statement of problemThe prognosis of a fixed dental prosthesis cemented to endodontically treated teeth is primarily determined by the presence of a ferrule on the tooth. Adhesion of the post in the root canal, conditioning methods for the canal and the amount of coronal structure could also be decisive on survival of reconstructions cemented on endodontically treated teeth. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to test the effect of remaining coronal structure on the retention of airborne-particle abraded fiber-reinforced composite resin posts built up with composite resin cores after the treatment of root canal dentin with different conditioning protocols. Material and methodsOne hundred and fifty extracted human teeth with single root canal space were endodontically treated and divided into 3 groups as follows: group CEJ: the teeth were sectioned at the level of cementoenamel junction (CEJ); group CEJ1: the teeth were sectioned 1 mm above the CEJ; group CEJ2: the teeth were sectioned 2 mm above the CEJ. Each group was further divided into 5 subgroups (n=10 per group) according to the root canal treatments as follows: group C: no conditioning (control); group PH: conditioning with 37% phosphoric acid gel for 15 seconds; group E: conditioning with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for 60 seconds; group CHX: conditioning with 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) for 60 seconds; group Q: conditioning with combination of 2% CHX with 17% EDTA and a surfactant solution for 60 seconds. Glass fiber-reinforced composite resin posts were airborne-particle abraded and luted to the root canal dentin with a self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX Unicem). The retentive force was tested by applying a tensile load parallel to the long axis of these posts at a crosshead speed of 2 mm/min. Two-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD post hoc test were used to analyze the data. ResultsThe highest retention (N) was obtained with the CHX-EDTA conditioned group (374.7 ±29.8) followed by 17% EDTA (367.9 ±33.3) conditioning when 2 mm remaining coronal structure was available. Conditioning with the CHX-EDTA showed comparable retention values to 17% EDTA conditioned groups when 0 or 1 mm coronal structure was present that differed significantly compared to 37% PH and 2% CHX conditioning (P<.05). ConclusionsConditioning root canal either with CHX-EDTA or 17% EDTA delivered superior retention values for fiber-reinforced composite resin posts with composite resin cores that were luted with self-adhesive resin cement to endodontically treated teeth with 2 mm remaining coronal structure.

Intracanal Retention of Glass Fiber Posts

Objective: Fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts have recently become more popular for restoring endodontically treated teeth because of providing esthetics, better stress distribution and lower risk of root fracture. Resistance against tensile forces dislodging the post from the root canal is a prerequisite for these posts. This study aimed to evaluate the tensile retention (strength) of intracanal glass fiber posts produced by three manufacturers.Methods: In this interventional study, the crowns of 30 sound human maxillary central incisors were cut at the cementoenamel junction and the roots were endodontically treated. Post space was prepared to a length of 10mm and the specimens were divided into three groups of 10. HtCo, Anthogyr and Svenskposts were used in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The posts were cemented with Panavia F2 resin cement according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Specimens were then immersed in water at 37°C for 30 days and were then subjected to 7500 thermal cycles between 5- 55°C. Intracanal tensile retention (strength) was measured at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA at p<0.05 level of significance.Results: The mean retention was 188.53 (15.43), 183.81 (16.37) and 192.19 (17.50) N in Htco, Anthogyr and Svensk posts, respectively. Statistical analyses showed no significant difference in this regard among groups (p=0.111).Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, retention of HtCo glass fiber posts in the root canals was similar to that of two other posts.

Metal or fibre posts and root fractures.

Abstract Data sourcesMedline and the OpenThesis database.Study selectionRandomised clinical trials (RCTs) and cohort studies comparing the incidence of root fractures of metallic and fibre-reinforced composite posts with more than five years follow up were considered.Data extraction and synthesisTwo reviewers independently selected studies and assessed study quality. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess RCTs and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies. Root fracture leading to tooth extraction was considered a catastrophic failure and defined as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes (non-catastrophic failures) included endodontic failures, crown dislodgement, post debonding, and post/core fractures. The incidence rate of root fractures and non-catastrophic failures was calculated by dividing the number of events by the period of risk for all included posts during the study period per 1000 post years of follow-up.ResultsFourteen studies (seven RCTs and seven cohorts) were included involving 3202 patients and 4752 posts. In all there were 62 root fractures and 467 non-catastrophic failures.The incidence rate of root fractures (pooled event rate per 1000 post years) for metal posts (four RCTs, four cohorts) was 5.13 (95% CI, 4.05-6.21) compared with 4.78 (95% CI, 4.28-5.27) for the fibre-reinforced posts (five RCTs, three cohorts). The pooled survival rate for was metal posts = 90% (95% CI 85.5- 93.3) compared with 83.9% (95% 67.6-92.8) for fibre-reinforced posts. Heterogeneity between the studies was high. The incidence rate of non-catastrophic failures for metal-based posts (four RCTs, 3 cohorts) was 12.69 (95% CI, 7.90-17.48) per 1000 post years compared with 19.39 (95% CI, 13.21-25.57) for fibre-reinforced posts. Heterogeneity was again important.ConclusionsThe results of the present systematic review based on clinical studies do not support the indication of fibre-reinforced posts based on a reduction of catastrophic failures. However, this review also showed the need for further well designed clinical studies evaluating intra-radicular posts.

Can cement film thickness influence bond strength and fracture resistance of fiber reinforced composite posts?

This study compared the influence of cement film thickness (CFT) on bond strength (BS) and fracture resistance (FR) of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts to root canal. One hundred bovine incisors were used for BS and FR analysis (n = 10) and distributed into five experimental groups according to FRC post diameters (WhitePost DC no. 0.5, no. 1, no. 2, no. 3, no. 4), leading to five different CFTs. The canals were prepared using drill no. 4 provided by the post manufacturer and irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl. After conditioning (24% H2O2/5 min) and silanization, posts were cemented with resin cement. BS was evaluated using push-out test and FR using the compression test at 45°. A stereomicroscope was used to measure CFT and to analyze failure pattern. BS data were subjected to two-way ANOVA and Scheffé test for contrast (α = 0.05); FR data were subjected to one-way ANOVA. BS was significantly affected by CFT, as the most well-adapted post achieved the highest values (p < 0.05). BS was similar for all root thirds. CFT did not affect fracture resistance. No root fractures were observed. A FRC post well adapted to the root canal results in higher BS values. Different CFTs did not influence the FR of teeth restored with FRC posts. The results indicate that post retention is improved when a well-adapted post is used, although this has not been critical to fracture resistance.

In Vitro Effect of Zirconia and Zirconia Enriched Glass Fiber Composite Posts on Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Teeth

Objective: Despite the advantages of esthetic posts, lack of studies on their fracture resistance has limited their clinical use. This study aimed to compare the effect of two types of esthetic posts namely zirconia and zirconia enriched glass fiber composite posts on fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth against compressive forces. Methods: This in vitro study was conducted on 20 mandibular premolar roots cut at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). The roots were endodontically treated and randomly divided into 2 groups of 10. After post space preparation, in group 1 zirconia posts (CosmoPost, Ivoclar, Liechtenstein) and in group 2 zirconia enriched glass fiber composite posts (Ice Light, Danville, USA) were cemented in the roots using a dual-cure resin cement (Panavia F 2.0, Kuraray, Japan) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The teeth were restored with composite resin cores (Lumiglass, RTD, France) using a prefabricated polyester matrix. After periodontal ligament (PDL) simulation by elastic polyether impression material (Impregum, 3M ESPE, USA), specimens were mounted in acrylic resin and subjected to 1195 Instron universal testing machine. Compressive load was applied at a 90° angle relative to the long axis of the teeth at a crosshead speed of 1mm/min until fracture. Since the data were normally distributed, t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The fracture resistance was 816.69 (120.89) N for zirconia posts and 843.76 (120.93) N for zirconia enriched glass fiber composite posts and these values were not significantly different (p=0.62). Fractures in group 2 were restorable. Conclusion: The fracture resistance of zirconia and zirconia enriched glass fiber composite posts was not significantly different and both types of posts can be successfully used.

Effect of different endodontic sealers on push-out bond strength of fiber posts

Despite the increasing demand for fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts, their bonding to root canals is still subject to debate. Endodontic sealers may affect the bond strength between fiber posts and root canal dentin. Aim: To compare the effects of different sealers on fiber post bond strength. Methods: Sixty teeth were divided into 4 groups according to obturation method: GI, gutta-percha without any sealers; GII, gutta-percha and AH26 resin-based sealer; GIII, RealSeal point and RealSeal resin-based sealer, GIV, Guttaflow. Fiber posts were cemented into root canals. Specimens were sectioned, and the bond strength was measured in the middle area. The failure mode was evaluated. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and post hoc test. Results: The highest bond strength was observed in the control group (2.95±1.12), and the least was in the Guttaflow group (1.15±0.78). There was a significant difference between bond strengths of the control and Guttaflow groups and between AH26 and Guttaflow groups (p<0.05). The failure mode was mainly adhesive between dentin and resin cement in all groups. Conclusions: Sealers may have a negative effect on the bond strength of fiber posts to root canal dentin.

Achieving enhanced and tunable adhesion via composite posts

Surfaces with enhanced and tunable adhesion have a variety of applications, including microtransfer printing of semiconductor elements, material handling in manufacturing, and gripping surfaces on climbing robots. Traditionally, schemes to achieve tunable adhesion have relied on fabricating arrays of posts or fibers with complex geometries, such as angled posts terminated by wider caps. Here, we describe an alternative to post structures with complex geometries through the use of composite posts that consist of a stiff core and a compliant shell. Posts consisting of a stiff core and compliant shell have enhanced adhesion under normal loading, and the pull-off can be reduced via the application of shear. The adhesion mechanics of composite posts are demonstrated here through a combination of finite element simulations and experimental measurements on individual millimeter-scale posts.

Evaluation of the Effect of Sodium Hypochlorite Irrigant on Pull-out Bond Strength of FRC Posts Using Different Resin Cements

Introduction: To evaluate the effects of using sodium hypochlorite irrigant on pull-out bond strength of self-etch and self-adhesive resin cements to dentin. Methods: Sixty intact premolars were decoronated and the root canals were prepared by step-back technique. The teeth were divided into two groups according to the irrigant used during root canal treatment: 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and normal saline. The canals were obturated and after 48 hours storage, 8mm depth post space was prepared with application of normal saline as irrigant. Then, each group was divided into two subgroups depending on the type of the cements used for cementation of fiber reinforced composite (FRC) posts (Panavia F2or Embrace). The pull-out bond strength test was evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed by Two-way AONVA. Results: The type of cement had no statistically significant effect on the bond strength; however, the type of irrigant was statistically effective. There was no interaction between two independent variables. The application of sodium hypochlorite significantly decreased the pull-out bond strength in Embrace cement in comparison with the use of normal saline. Conclusion: The type of irrigants used in endodontic treatment may affect on bond strength of FRC posts cemented by self-adhesive cements.