Aging affects the adhesive interface of posts luted with self-adhesive cements: a 1-year study

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Restorative Dentistry

Background:

• Fiber posts are widely used in endodontically treated teeth.
• Self-adhesive cements offer simplified luting procedures.
• Understanding the long-term stability of these materials is crucial for clinical success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the bond strength of fiber posts luted with self-adhesive cements to intraradicular dentin.
• To assess the interfacial nanoleakage of these luting systems over time.
• To investigate the effects of 6-month and 1-year aging on bond strength and nanoleakage.

Main Methods:

• Fiber posts were luted into endodontically treated human incisors using three self-adhesive cement/post combinations.
• Specimens were subjected to push-out bond strength testing immediately or after aging in artificial saliva for 6 months or 1 year.
• Interfacial nanoleakage was quantitatively analyzed using ammoniacal silver nitrate.

Main Results:

• Immediate bond strength was highest for Bifix SE and RelyX Unicem, followed by MaxCem.
• Aging for 1 year significantly reduced the bond strength of all tested cements.
• Nanoleakage increased with aging, with MaxCem exhibiting the highest values.

Conclusions:

• The bond strength and interfacial nanoleakage of fiber post restorations are influenced by the luting material and post type.
• Long-term aging significantly compromises the integrity of the bond between fiber posts and dentin.
• Clinical longevity of fiber posts may be affected by material selection and degradation over time.