Influence of luting agent translucency on fiber post retention

The aim was to assess the influence of cement translucency on the retentive strength of luted fiber posts. Twenty extracted human premolars were randomly divided into four equal groups, based on the combinations of materials to be tested. Two post types of the same size, shape, and chemical composition, but different light-transmission properties [Translucent post (TP) and Opaque post (OP)] were selected. The two post types were luted using the etch-and-rinse, light-curing adhesive in combination with two shades of the same resin cement of markedly different light-transmitting ability [Transparent shade (TS) and Opaque shade (OS)]. Early post retention was assessed using the thin-slice push-out test. Post type did not significantly influence post retention; however, cement translucency emerged as a relevant factor in intraradicular cementation, with the TS achieving higher push-out strengths. The between-factor interaction was also statistically significant; specifically, OP-OS yielded significantly lower retentive strengths than all the other groups. Post translucency did not influence post retention, provided that a highly translucent cement was utilized for luting.