The effect of dowel lubrication on retention of resin-cemented dowels

Threaded dowels were cemented into prepared canals of extracted human teeth by use of unfilled Bis-GMA resin cement. One half the dowels were lubricated before cementation, unscrewed partially, and reseated to original length after cement had set, to assure retrievability. There was no significant difference in mean tensile force required to dislodge the dowels cemented with or without prior lubrication. Lubrication of dowels makes them predictably and easily retrievable with no short-term effect on tensile strength of the cemented lubricated dowels. Long-term effects of the lubricant on the resin are unknown.