Comparison of the efficiency and effectiveness of various techniques for removal of fiber posts

A study was conducted to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of several techniques for fiber post removal. Four groups of 20 mandibular premolars were endodontically treated and obturated. Post spaces were prepared for the following post systems: ParaPost XH, ParaPost Fiber White, Luscent Anchors, and Aestheti-Plus. After cementation, 10 posts of each group were removed with their corresponding manufacturer's removal kit and the other 10 removed with diamond burs and ultrasonics. Removal times were recorded and the teeth were sectioned vertically and microscopically analyzed for removal effectiveness based on a 0 to 5 point scale. Removal kits removed Luscent Anchors the fastest (mean = 3.9 min) and most effectively (mean = 2.6), while Aestheti-Plus posts were removed the slowest (mean = 7.3 min) and least effectively (mean = 3.4). Diamonds and ultrasonics required an average of 10 additional minutes for each fiber post system removal, yet removal effectiveness improved half a point. The results suggest recommended removal kits were significantly more efficient, while diamonds and ultrasonics were more effective. Removal kits could be enhanced with subsequent ultrasonic instrumentation to remove remaining fibers and cement.