[PVD-layering for increased retention of glass fibre reinforced endodontic posts]

For esthetical and biomechanical reasons root canal posts made of fibre-reinforced composite (FRC) have gained an important role in clinical application. Additionally, in contrast to metal or ceramic posts, FRC-posts offer the option of removal. Prior to adhesive placement of FRC-posts the root canal dentin of the non vital tooth and the post surface have to be preconditioned. Up to now the post preconditioning has to be proceeded in the chair side technique. This leads to an additional time expense in the clinical treatment schedule. Also a certain risk of errors in application during chair side conditioning procedure is of concern. Modern PVD-technologies can help to make the treatment by the manufacturer well in advance of the clinical use more efficient and reliable, as well as saving clinicians valuable chair-time. For this reason the apical surfaces of the posts were intensively cleaned and activated, PVD-layered and coated by a conserving transparent layer. This coating has the meaning to protect the surface against environmental contamination and allows the try-in of the posts without any risk of damage of the preconditioned surface. To prove the stability of the layer system under simulated clinical conditions pull out tests after 180 days'storage in physiological saline solution have been performed.