Interim luting agents, composite core surface hardness and retention of interim and final restorations

This study compared the effects of ZOE interim cement on the retention of interim acrylic and final cast crowns (cemented with zinc phosphate) over cores of current conventional and hybrid composite resin formulae, and a non-eugenol interim cement (NOG) and a calcium hydroxide liner (CaOH2) on interim and final retention values over hybrid cores. Results were compared to retention of cast crowns over amalgam cores. Retention was measured with an Instron Testing Machine. Location of cement failure during separation was recorded. Surface hardness of each group was compared. Retention of cast crowns cemented with zinc phosphate over amalgam cores was significantly higher than that of any of the resin core groups (ANOVA, P less than 0.05, Sheffe Contrast). There was no significant difference in final casting retention cemented over hybrid or conventional resin cores exposed to ZOE (13.625 vs 14.125 Kg). Final casting retention differences were not significant between the three interim cement groups. Final retention of all groups exposed to an interim luting agent were significantly less than the composite control groups. The use of CaOH, as an interim luting agent for acrylic crowns over hybrid cores compared to ZOE or NOG, should afford significantly greater retention with no adverse effect on the retention of the final casting. While the surface hardness of both types of composite resin was adversely affected by exposure to interim luting agents as compared to controls, there was no correlation between final casting retention values and surface hardness of polished composite. The interim cements invariably failed at the interim acrylic crown interface while the zinc phosphate cement failed at the core interface.