Selection of materials for post cementation

Many types of cement are available for post cementation, each with advantages and disadvantages. For posts with adequate mechanical retention, zinc phosphate is a good choice for patients for whom fluoride release is not considered essential. Posts with compromised mechanical retention benefit from use of a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement, which also releases fluoride. Composite resin cements should be reserved for rare cases where mechanical retention is so compromised that use of a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement provides inadequate retention. Great care is required when using composite resin cements to ensure optimum performance and avoid the creation of difficult-to-remove excess cement. Clinicians should be aware that posts cemented with resin-modified glass ionomer or composite resin cements may be difficult or impossible to remove if access to the root canal system is subsequently required.