Fiber post adhesion to radicular dentin: The use of acid etching prior to a one-step self-etching adhesive

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bond strength of fiber posts luted with a one-step self-etching adhesive with the push-out test after phosphoric acid conditioning of the root dentin. Thirty-six single-rooted teeth were endodontically treated. Teeth were sectioned perpendicularly to the cementoenamel junction, and a 10-mm post space was prepared with a calibrated bur. Specimens were then divided into three groups according to the adhesive protocol: A, total-etch three steps; B, self-etch one step; and C, 32% phosphoric acid conditioning and self-etch one step. Fiber posts were luted with self-curing resin-based cement. Teeth were cut in 1-mm slices and pushed until failure with an Instron machine. Results were statistically analyzed with the ANOVA and Bonferroni tests (P < .05). Two additional specimens from each group were examined under the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The 32% phosphoric acid significantly influenced the push-out bond strength of fiber posts luted with self-etch adhesives (P < .05). SEM analysis showed a continuous hybrid layer with resin tags and lateral branches in groups A and C, while group B showed smear layer dissolution with poor infiltration of the tubules.