A one step procedure for luting glass fibre posts: an SEM evaluation

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Adhesive Dentistry
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Bonding translucent fibre posts is crucial for restoring endodontically treated teeth.
• Optimizing the luting procedure enhances the longevity and success of post-endodontic restorations.
• Understanding the micromechanical interface between the post, cement, and dentin is key to predictable outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of two luting procedures for bonding translucent fibre posts.
• To evaluate the formation of resin tags, adhesive lateral branches, and resin-dentine interdiffusion zones (RDIZ).
• To assess the impact of light-curing timing on the adhesive interface quality using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Main Methods:

• Forty root-filled teeth were divided into four groups.
• Translucent fibre posts were bonded using different light-curing protocols for the adhesive and resin cement.
• Specimens were analyzed using SEM to evaluate RDIZ continuity, gaps, and resin tag morphology.

Main Results:

• All luting procedures resulted in RDIZ formation.
• Light curing the adhesive before cement placement (Group 1) yielded a significantly higher percentage of RDIZ compared to other groups (P < 0.05).
• Resin tag formation was observed in all groups, with a more uniform and longer appearance in the apical third when the adhesive was pre-cured.

Conclusions:

• Pre-curing the adhesive solution before cement placement is a more effective luting procedure for translucent fibre posts.
• This technique leads to superior SEM-evaluated adhesive interfaces, including better RDIZ formation and resin tag morphology.
• The findings suggest an improved bonding strategy for enhanced clinical performance of fibre post restorations.