A study of the microstructure of some dental retention pins and prefabricated root canal posts

Pins and root canal posts are generally considered indispensible aids in clinical restorative dentistry. To secure the long-term efficiency of pins and posts, such devices should be of sufficient strength to carry the relevant loads. It is, however, essential that their properties do not decline as a consequence of corrosion, or that corrosion of metallic pins and posts does not cause unfavourable effect in contacting biological tissues. The microstructure of certain commercially available dental retention pins and prefabricated root canal posts has been investigated using optical microscopy and standard metallographic techniques. The specimens were then examined by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). The results indicate differences in microstructure and condition between the types examined. The results also showed the presence of included particles in some pins and posts. These differences and the presence of inclusions may have an important bearing on service life and corrosion resistance.