Intratubular penetration in post cementing: A comparative study between a total etching system and a self-etching...

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science
• Microscopy

Background:

• Fiber post placement is crucial for restoring endodontically treated teeth.
• Effective cementation ensures long-term restoration success and prevents microleakage.
• Understanding cement penetration is key to optimizing bonding and sealing within the root canal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the penetration depth and percentage perimeter of two fiber post cementing systems.
• To evaluate cement and adhesive penetration into dentin tubules using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).

Main Methods:

• Twenty maxillary incisors were prepared and obturated.
• Fiber posts were cemented using either a total etch system (Prime&Bond NT/Rebilda DC) or a self-adhesive cement (BisCem).
• CLSM was used to quantify cement and adhesive penetration in coronal, middle, and apical root sections.

Main Results:

• BisCem exhibited greater penetration depth and percentage perimeter in all root thirds compared to the total etch system.
• Statistically significant differences favoring BisCem were observed in the middle and apical thirds.
• Penetration depth and percentage decreased from coronal to apical in both groups.

Conclusions:

• The self-adhesive BisCem cement system offers superior penetration into dentin tubules compared to the tested total etch system.
• Enhanced penetration may contribute to improved sealing and longevity of fiber post restorations.
• Further research should explore the clinical implications of these penetration differences.