Adhesive post-endodontic restorations with fiber posts: push-out tests and SEM observations

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Restorative Dentistry

Background:

• Restoration of endodontically treated teeth often utilizes materials mimicking dentin's modulus of elasticity (18.6 GPa).
• Fiber posts, resin cements, and composite resins share this elastic property.
• Evaluating the interfacial integrity of these restorative systems is critical for clinical success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the bond strength between luting materials, root dentin, and fiber posts.
• To investigate the interfacial integration of these components using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• To compare the performance of composite resins versus resin cements in this context.

Main Methods:

• Push-out tests were employed to evaluate bond strength at the luting agent-dentin and luting agent-post interfaces.
• Extracted, endodontically treated teeth and plastic plates served as substrates.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized for microstructural analysis of component integration.

Main Results:

• Chemical affinity between luting materials and fiber posts significantly influences bond strength.
• In vitro bond strength tests indicated superior performance of composite resins over resin cements.
• SEM observations corroborated the enhanced integration associated with composite resin usage.

Conclusions:

• Composite resins exhibit better in vitro bond strength and integration with fiber posts and root dentin compared to resin cements.
• The chemical affinity between restorative components is a key determinant of bond strength.
• Clinical application of these materials may enhance tooth structure integrity, reducing fracture and debonding risks.