Effect of Magnification during Post Space Preparation on Root Cleanness and Fiber Post Bond Strength

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of magnification during post space preparation on root cleanness and on fiber post bond strength. Methods: Thirty human central upper incisors with similar root canal in size and shape were selected, decoronated to 15 mm and endodontically filled. The teeth were assigned into 3 groups (n=10), according to the method of magnification during post space preparation inspection: Control, using naked eye; loupe, using a dental surgical 3x magnifying glass; surgical microscope, using a 6x surgical microscope. The roots were scanned by using micro-CT before and after post space preparation for residue remnants evaluation. Fiber posts were cemented using self-adhesive resin cement (Rely X U200, 3M-ESPE). Two 1-mm-thick slices from the cervical, medium and apical thirds were submitted to a push-out test (PBS). Failures modes were classified. PBS data were analyzed by using two-way ANOVA with repeated measurement and the Tukey test. The significance level was set at 5%. The method of visualization had no effect on PBS (p=0.556). The cervical region had higher values than apical region irrespective of the inspection method (p=0.012). Adhesive failure between the resin cement and dentin was the prevalent failure mode for all groups. Micro-CT analysis showed no difference on root cleanness into the root canal after post space preparation. The use of magnification devices as loupe and microscope while performing post space do not improve the PBS and did not affect sealer remain of decoronated anterior teeth.