Microleakage of posts used to restore endodontically treated teeth

The purpose of this study was to quantitate the microleakage of various post systems using a fluid filtration system. Eighty extracted human single-rooted teeth were used. The crowns were removed, the canals prepared, and the posts were placed. The samples were divided into three control groups and five experimental groups. The post systems tested were: (a) stainless steel posts cemented with zinc phosphate cement or (b) polycarboxylate cement; (c) a composite resin; (d) composite resin after use of a dentin bonding agent; and (e) composite resin after use of a dentin conditioner and dentin bonding agent. The results showed that none of the post systems tested were capable of consistently achieving a fluid-tight seal.