Fiber-reinforced Composite Resin Posts Research Articles

A microcomputed tomography analysis of adaptation in premolars with flared root canals restored with different digitally custom fabricated post materials

Statement of problemPreserving and strengthening the remaining tooth structure of compromised flared root canals after endodontic treatment is challenging. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the adaptation of milled polymer- infiltrated ceramic, fiber-reinforced composite resin, and high-performance semicrystalline thermoplastic resin posts as used to restore mandibular premolars with flared root canals. Material and methodsForty sound mandibular premolars were randomly divided into 4 groups: custom Vita Enamic (CV), custom fiber-reinforced composite resin (CF), custom polyetherketoneketone (CP), and prefabricated fiber (RF) posts. After endodontic treatment, each tooth was sectioned 1.5 mm occlusal to the cementoenamel junction. Then, the post space was prepared and flared, except the RF group, to a depth of 9 mm. The post space in RF group was prepared with a post drill. For the CV, CF, and CP groups, the posts were milled, finished, and cemented to their corresponding teeth. Each tooth was scanned using a microcomputed tomography device, and the reconstructed images were analyzed in mesiodistal, buccolingual, and horizontal planes. The cement thickness, cement volume, and volume of voids were measured. The data were analyzed using 3-way ANOVA (cement thickness) and 2-way ANOVA (cement volume and voids volume) tests followed by the post hoc Tukey test (α=.05). ResultsThe 3-way ANOVA test revealed a significant interaction (P<.001) between material type, section, and surface on the cement thickness. The mean cement thickness in the RF group was significantly higher than in the CV group (P=.001) and CF group (P=.005). The least mean cement thickness was at the apical section followed by the cervical and middle sections. Regarding cement volume, the 2-way ANOVA test showed statistically significant interaction between material type and section. The mean cement volume in the RF group was significantly lower than in the CV group (P=.001), CF group (P=.001), and CP group (P=.001). The highest mean cement volume was in the cervical section followed by the middle and apical sections. The 2-way ANOVA test showed statistically significant interaction (P<.001) between material type and section on the volume of voids. Significant differences were found between the mean volume of voids at the cervical and middle sections (P=.001) and the cervical and apical sections (P=.002). ConclusionsCompared with prefabricated fiber posts, digitally fabricated polymer-infiltrated ceramic and fiber-reinforced composite resin posts had a thinner cement layer with minimal thickness at the apical section. The digitally fabricated posts had higher cement volume, especially at the cervical section, than prefabricated fiber posts. High volumes of voids were related to the cervical section of all tested posts.

The influence of fitness and type of luting agents on bonding strength of fiber-reinforced composite resin posts

The influence of fitness and type of luting agents on bonding strength of fiber-reinforced composite resin posts

Finite element analysis of maxillary first molar with a 4-wall defect and 1.5-mm-high ferrule restored with fiber-reinforced composite resin posts and resin core: The number and placement of the posts

Statement of problemWhether fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts should be inserted in root canals to restore teeth with multiple roots remains unclear. PurposeThe purpose of this finite element analysis (FEA) study was to determine the optimal use of FRC posts in an endodontically treated maxillary first molar with a 4-wall defect and 1.5-mm-high ferrule. Material and methodsEight different models of a maxillary first molar were established: no post (NP), post in palatal root (P), post in distobuccal root (DB), post in mesiobuccal root (MB), posts in palatal root and distobuccal root (P+DB), posts in palatal root and mesiobuccal root (P+MB), posts in 2 buccal roots (DB+MB), and posts in all roots (P+DB+MB). Two types of loading were applied: a force of 800 N parallel to the long axis of the tooth to simulate the vertical masticatory force and another force of 225 N at 45 degrees to the long axis of the tooth to simulate the lateral masticatory force. The equivalent stresses on the external surfaces of the tooth tissue, the internal surfaces of the root canals and in the posts, as well as the maximal shear stresses on the post-core interface and the core-dentin interface, were calculated with FEA. ResultsAll the models showed similar maximal equivalent stress values on the external surfaces of the tooth tissue, and stress concentrations were found at the cervical and furcation area. On the internal surfaces of root canals, an increase of equivalent stress at the middle third of the canals with posts and a decrease at the cervical third were observed. Under vertical loading, the P+DB+MB group showed the largest equivalent stress in the post (76.45 MPa in the palatal post), the DB+MB group showed the largest shear stress on the post-core interface (19.02 MPa), and the MB group showed the largest shear stress on the core-dentin interface (12.07 MPa). Under lateral loading, the P+DB+MB group showed the largest equivalent stress in the post (60.11 MPa in the mesiobuccal post) and the largest shear stress on the post-core interface (13.48 MPa) and the DB group showed the largest shear stress on the core-dentin interface (21.03 MPa). ConclusionsOne post in the palatal canal was found to be appropriate for the FRC post and resin core restoration of a maxillary first molar with a 4-wall defect and 1.5-mm-high ferrule. An additional post in the mesiobuccal canal could help disperse lateral occlusal force and improve retention of the restoration.

Fracture resistance of endodontically treated maxillary incisors restored with single or bundled glass fiber-reinforced composite resin posts.

BackgroundTo compare the fracture resistance of endodontically treated maxillary incisors restored with single versus bundled glass fiber-reinforced composite resin posts (FRC). Material and MethodsTwenty-four maxillary incisors underwent root canal preparation (1.5-mm-diameter post spaces after canal obturation). Teeth were randomly divided into two groups (n = 12). Two different FRC groups were used for the intracanal post treatment. Single FRC (Rebilda Post system, 1.5 mm diameter) and bundled FRC (Rebilda Post GT, 12 fiber bundles, 1.4 mm diameter) were bonded to the prepared canals using dual-cure resin-based luting cement. Specimens were kept in humid at 37°C for one day. The fracture resistance testing was performed using universal testing machine by applying a compressive static load at a 135° angel to the axis of the teeth. The failure type after fracture was examined by visual inspection. ResultsThe fracture resistance of teeth with single FRC (Rebilda Post) and bundled FRC (Rebilda Post GT) were 787 ± 156 and 850 ± 166 Newton, respectively. There was no statistical significant difference between the two groups. Root fracture was the major failure type in both groups. ConclusionsThe fracture resistance of endodontically treated maxillary incisors with bundled FRC (Rebilda Post GT) did not differ from incisors with single FRC (Rebilda Post). Key words:Endodontically-treated teeth, fracture resistance, glass fiber post, intracanal post.

Survival of Fiber-Reinforced Composite Resin Post-Restored vs. Cast Post-and-Core-Restored Teeth: A Retrospective Clinical Study

Objective: The question of whether classic cast post-and-core (CPC) or fiber-reinforced composite resin posts (FRCP) are the best clinical decision has still not been fully solved. Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixty-two teeth were restored with FRCP, and 162 CPC restored teeth were included in this study with a matched-pair design. In a primary analysis, the survival rates after one year (primary endpoint) were compared. The additional analysis included an evaluation of tooth- and construction-specific variables and an illustration of the survival up to 60 months via Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: FRCP showed lower failure risk considering the definitive prosthetic restoration and tooth type compared to CPC restored teeth. In total, 17 failures were observed in the FRCP group and 35 failures in the CPC group. A 60-month survival rate of 79.3% for FRCP and 64.5% for CPC was observed. Teeth serving as abutments for telescopic dentures were more likely to be affected by failure compared to teeth restored with single crowns. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the FRCP showed a lower failure risk compared to the CPC, considering the definitive prosthetic restoration and tooth type within the observation period.

Retention force of fiber-reinforced composite resin post on resin composite for core buildup -Effects of fiber orientation, silane treatment and thermal cycling.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of fiber orientation, silane treatment, and thermal cycling on the retention force of fiber-reinforced composite resin (FRC) posts on resin composite. Two types of FRC posts (linear and woven) were prepared with and without silane treatment. Pull-out test specimens were made of FRC posts and resin composite for core buildup. Specimens were either incubated in distilled water for 24 h or subjected to 10,000 thermal cycles. The maximum fracture load obtained by a pull-out test was defined as the retention force. Fracture modes were observed after the test. Fiber orientation and thermal cycling did not affect the retention force on resin composite, and the retention force was improved by silane treatment. Whereas, fiber orientation affected the fracture mode. The result showed woven fiber orientation could contribute to the mechanically interlocking with the resin composite.

Endodontic guide for the conservative removal of a fiber-reinforced composite resin post

Prosthetic dentistry involves functional and esthetic restoration. Some situations require the use of fiber-reinforced composite resin posts that help preserve restorations. However, if the initial treatment fails, a new endodontic intervention may be required for fiber-reinforced composite resin post removal. This procedure can be complex and challenging but can be facilitated with guided endodontics. This clinical report describes the use of a prototyped guide created with virtual planning for fiber-reinforced composite resin post removal. The guide improved patient safety, shortened the treatment time, and eliminated the need for a new restoration.

A comparison of the fracture resistance of premolars without a ferrule with different post systems

Statement of problemWhich type of post improves the performance of endodontically treated mandibular premolars without a ferrule remains unclear. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the restoration of endodontically treated mandibular premolars without a ferrule by using different post systems. Material and methodsThirty extracted mandibular premolars were endodontically treated, and their crowns removed. They were divided into 3 groups with different post systems (n=10): zirconia ceramic posts (ZRPs), fiber posts (FPs), and bundled glass fiber-reinforced composite resin posts (GTPs). After post placement and core fabrication, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture (CAD-CAM) lithium disilicate crowns were cemented. The specimens were subjected to thermocycling and mastication simulation before a fracture test in a universal testing machine. The maximum load at which the fracture occurred was recorded, and the fractured specimens were examined by using an optical microscope. The data were analyzed for statistical differences with a 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey honestly significant difference post hoc test (α=.05). ResultsNo statistically significant difference in fracture strength was found among the groups (P=.970). From the light microscopy examination, catastrophic failure was observed in all specimens, and there was no failure of the ceramic crowns. ConclusionsBased on the findings of this in vitro study, the choice of post material with a low or high modulus of elasticity did not prevent catastrophic failures in endodontically treated teeth without a ferrule.

Retrospective analysis of survival rates of post-and-cores in a dental school setting

Statement of problemThe clinical survival of different types of post-and-core systems requires assessment. PurposeThe purpose of this retrospective clinical study was to evaluate the clinical survival rate (CSR) of custom-fabricated cast metal and prefabricated (both metal- and fiber-reinforced composite resin post) post-and-cores as a function of patient- and restoration-related variables. Material and methodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on electronic charts indicating that these patients had received some type of post-and-core between January 2003 and January 2018. A total of 754 records were included in the analysis based on the inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed by using the Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analysis. ResultsKaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated the mean survival time for each group to be 12.0 years for fiber-reinforced composite resin posts, 11.8 years for cast metal post-and-cores, and 10.2 years for prefabricated metal posts. Although the mean survival time differed by 1.8 years among groups, with prefabricated metal posts having a slightly higher risk of failure, this effect was not statistically significant (P=.067). The effect of post type also failed to reach significance when controlling for patient demographics and post position in a Cox proportional hazards analysis (P=.106). However, the Cox model did show that survival was associated with tooth position (P=.003), cement (P=.021), and type of restoration (P<.001). ConclusionsAnalysis showed no evidence that post-and-core survival was significantly associated with 3 types of post-and-cores (custom-fabricated metal, prefabricated metal, and prefabricated fiber-reinforced composite resin). The percentage of root in the bone, tooth position, cement, and type of restoration, however, were significantly associated with survival.

Comparison of push-out bond strength of fiber-reinforced composite resin posts according to cement thickness

Statement of problemPost space size and cement thickness can differ because of variations in root canal morphology, such as an oval shape, and because the entire canal space cannot be included in the post space preparation. As a result, increased cement thickness around the post may affect the bond strength between the post and the dentin. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the push-out bond strength of fiber-reinforced composite resin posts to root dentin with cement layers of varying thickness. Material and methodsThirty human premolars were endodontically treated and restored with fiber-reinforced composite resin posts. Post space was prepared using a drill with a 1.5-mm diameter and diameters of 1.25 mm (small [S] group), 1.375 mm (medium [M] group), and 1.5 mm (large [L] group) were cemented. The specimens were sectioned horizontally into 1-mm-thick slices, and the push-out bond strengths of the apical and coronal fragments were evaluated. Bond strength was compared using analysis of variance and 2-sample t tests (α=.05). ResultsNo significant differences were found in the debonding force and push-out bond strength among fiber-reinforced composite posts of different sizes (P>.05). The mean debonding force and standard deviation of the posts were 25.05 ±9.52 N for the S group, 28.17 ±11.38 N for the M group, and 33.78 ±12.47 N for the L group. The corresponding push-out bond strength values were 3.11 ±1.54 MPa, 3.39 ±1.4 MPa, and 4.15 ±1.75 MPa. The differences in debonding force between the apical (26.43 ±10.72 N) and coronal (31.57 ±12.03 N) areas were not significant (P>.05). However, the differences in push-out bond strength between the apical (4.27 ±1.73 MPa) and coronal areas (2.83 ±1.08 MPa) were significant (P<.05). ConclusionsThe widening of post spaces and, consequently, the increased cement thickness do not significantly affect the bond strength of fiber-reinforced composite resin posts to root dentin.

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.

Retention Force of Posts Fabricated by the Direct Core Build-up Technique Using Fiber-reinforced Composite Resin Posts

Retention Force of Posts Fabricated by the Direct Core Build-up Technique Using Fiber-reinforced Composite Resin Posts

Esthetic and functional restoration in a child with S-ECC using Contemporary and Biological Techniques

S-ECC describes dental caries in the primary dentition of young children that occur abruptly, spreading widely and rapidly and is burrowing in nature resulting in early involvement of the dental pulp. The case report presented here is of a 3.5 year old girl with severely decayed maxillary anterior teeth. After pulpectomy, the primary maxillary centrals were reinforced using polyethylene fiber-reinforced composite resin posts and restored using strip crowns and laterals biologically restored using tooth obtained from another patient. The combination of techniques described here offers a simple and effective method for restoring severely decayed primary anterior teeth that reestablishes function and esthetics.

Resting-state activity in the left executive control network is associated with behavioral approach and is increased in substance dependence

Post space size and cement thickness can differ because of variations in root canal morphology, such as an oval shape, and because the entire canal space cannot be included in the post space preparation. As a result, increased cement thickness around the post may affect the bond strength between the post and the dentin.The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the push-out bond strength of fiber-reinforced composite resin posts to root dentin with cement layers of varying thickness.Thirty human premolars were endodontically treated and restored with fiber-reinforced composite resin posts. Post space was prepared using a drill with a 1.5-mm diameter and diameters of 1.25 mm (small [S] group), 1.375 mm (medium [M] group), and 1.5 mm (large [L] group) were cemented. The specimens were sectioned horizontally into 1-mm-thick slices, and the push-out bond strengths of the apical and coronal fragments were evaluated. Bond strength was compared using analysis of variance and 2-sample t tests (α=.05).No significant differences were found in the debonding force and push-out bond strength among fiber-reinforced composite posts of different sizes (P>.05). The mean debonding force and standard deviation of the posts were 25.05 ±9.52 N for the S group, 28.17 ±11.38 N for the M group, and 33.78 ±12.47 N for the L group. The corresponding push-out bond strength values were 3.11 ±1.54 MPa, 3.39 ±1.4 MPa, and 4.15 ±1.75 MPa. The differences in debonding force between the apical (26.43 ±10.72 N) and coronal (31.57 ±12.03 N) areas were not significant (P>.05). However, the differences in push-out bond strength between the apical (4.27 ±1.73 MPa) and coronal areas (2.83 ±1.08 MPa) were significant (P<.05).The widening of post spaces and, consequently, the increased cement thickness do not significantly affect the bond strength of fiber-reinforced composite resin posts to root dentin.

WITHDRAWN: Effect of post space conditioning and luting resin on the retentive strength of fiber-reinforced composite resin posts

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.

Fracture resistance and failure mode of fatigued endodontically treated teeth restored with fiber-reinforced resin posts and metallic posts in vitro.

Fracture of restored endodontically treated teeth is a common complication. The mechanical properties of post systems may play a role in the incidence of tooth fracture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro the fracture resistance and pattern of fracture of endodontically treated teeth restored with three different post systems. Posts used were fiber-reinforced composite resin posts (FRC post), custom cast silver-palladium, and nickel-chromium posts and cores. A 3-point bending test was performed to calculate flexural strengths and elastic moduli of the specimens. Sixty extracted human maxillary canines were endodontically treated and divided into three groups (n=20). All-ceramic crowns were fabricated and cemented with Variolink II resin cement. Ten specimens of each group were subjected to a constantly increasing load until fracture. The other 10 specimens were fatigued for 106 cycles in a custom-made fatigue machine. Recorded failure loads and modes were statistically compared with one-way anova and Tukey-HSD tests (α=0.05). The resistance to fracture of teeth restored with FRC posts, composite resin cores, and Empress II crowns was similar to that of teeth restored with cast posts and cores (P=0.162). Supracrestal (above root/level of acrylic resin base) oblique fracture was the predominant mode of fracture associated with teeth restored with FRC posts (70%), while vertical root fractures were more common with teeth restored with cast posts and cores. Teeth restored with the FRC post system did not exhibit vertical root fractures and were less likely to show root fracture. Sixty to 80% of teeth restored with both types of cast posts and cores showed vertical and subcrestal root fractures.

A Comparative Study of the Stress Distribution in Different EndodonticPost-RetainedTeeth with and without Ferrule Design-A Finite Element Analysis.

Purpose. To analyze the stress distribution in an endodontically treated maxillary central incisor restored with various post-core systems and assess the benefit of ferrule using finite element analysis. Material and Methods. Twelve models with metal ceramic crown were created based on the combination of three types of post-core systems (titanium post-composite resin core, nickel-chromium post-core, and fiber reinforced composite resin post-composite resin core), two varieties of posts (tapered, parallel), and with or without ferrule. 100 N load was applied in three directions and the von Mises stress was compared. Results. Ferrule made no difference in stress distribution for the titanium and nickel-chromium posts, though it showed some stress reduction in fiber-reinforced composite resin posts. Nickel-chromium cast post-core transmitted the least amount of stresses to the dentin despite producing the maximum stress. Conclusion. Incorporation of ferrule offered some degree of stress reduction in nonmetal post, and it increased the stresses within cervical dentin.

Finite element analysis of strength and adhesion of cast posts compared to glass fiber-reinforced composite resin posts in anterior teeth

Previous studies on the strength of teeth restored with posts have not resolved the controversy as to which post systems provide the greatest strength and longevity. The purpose of this study was to compare the strength of teeth restored using cast posts with those restored using glass fiber-reinforced composite resin posts and to evaluate the bond strength of the posts to dentin. The investigation was conducted by using finite element analysis, combined with the application of contact elements. Three-dimensional (3-D) models of the maxillary central incisors were generated: IT, an intact tooth; CC, a tooth with a ceramic crown; FP, a tooth restored with an FRC (glass fiber-reinforced composite resin) post; CPAu, a tooth restored with a gold alloy cast post; and CPNi, a tooth restored with an NiCr (nickel chromium alloy) cast post. Each model was subjected to vertical and oblique loads with a force of 100 N. To evaluate the strength of the restored tooth, ceramics, and composite resin, the modified von Mises failure criterion was used, the Tsai-Wu criterion for FRC, and the von Mises criterion for gold and NiCr alloy. The equivalent stresses found in the tested models were compared with the tensile strength of the respective materials. Contact stresses in the luting cement-dentin interface were calculated. The maximum mvM (modified von Mises failure criterion) stresses in the dentin of the teeth restored with FRC posts were reduced by 21%, and in those restored with cast NiCr posts, stresses were reduced by 25% when compared to the stresses in the intact tooth. The equivalent stresses in metal posts were several times higher than in FRC posts, but did not exceed the tensile strength of the materials. The highest mvM stress in the luting resin cement around the FRC post was 55% higher than in the luting resin cement around the metal post, under an oblique load. In the ceramic crown, which covered the composite resin post and core, the highest mvM stress was 30.7 MPa, whereas with the metal post and core, it was 23 MPa. Cast metal posts resulted in lower stresses in the dentin of the restored teeth than did FRC posts. Irrespective of the material, the equivalent stresses in the posts did not exceed their tensile strength. Lower stresses were present in the luting cement and the cement-dentin interface around cast posts than around FRC posts. In the ceramic crown supported by a metal post and core, the stresses were lower than those observed in the crown supported by a composite resin core foundation.

In vitro fracture resistance of copy-milled zirconia ceramic posts

Current copy-milling systems allow for the fabrication of 1-piece zirconia ceramic posts and cores, which can be used in combination with ceramic crowns to restore endodontically treated teeth in an esthetic manner. However, limited data are available on the fracture resistance of copy-milled zirconia ceramic posts. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the fracture resistance of prefabricated posts made from zirconia ceramic and fiber-reinforced composite resin with the fracture resistance of copy-milled zirconia ceramic posts. Three groups of posts and cores were fabricated (n=10): prefabricated zirconia ceramic posts with composite resin cores (ZIR), fiber-reinforced composite resin posts with composite resin cores (FRC), and copy-milled zirconia ceramic posts and cores (CM). Following artificial aging by thermal cycling and masticatory simulation, compressive tests were performed in a universal testing machine with the posts mounted at an angle of 135 degrees to the long axis of the posts. The maximum forces needed to fracture the posts were recorded for statistical analysis (1-way ANOVA, Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference test; alpha=.05). The mean maximum forces (SD) needed to fracture the posts and cores were 123.10 (19.38) N for FRC, 139.30 (42.70) N for CM, and 267.10 (59.11) N for ZIR. The prefabricated zirconia ceramic posts required significantly higher fracture loads as compared to FRC (P<.001) and CM (P<.001). The fracture load of copy-milled zirconia ceramic posts is significantly lower than that of prefabricated zirconia ceramic posts of the same size.

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

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. 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. 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). 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. 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.