Comparison of the retentive properties of two hollow-tube post systems to those of a solid post design

The retention of a post in a root is critical for the successful restoration of an endodontically treated tooth. This study compared the retention of two hollow-tube post designs (Access post and World post) cemented with zinc phosphate cement or a titanium-reinforced composite resin cement (Flexi-Flow cement with titanium) with that of the control Para-Post system, a solid post design cemented with zinc phosphate cement. The experiment was divided into 11 groups of 10 samples. Retentive values were measured with a universal testing machine and the data were recorded in pounds. A one-way analysis of variance was computed and included Duncan's multiple comparisons test, Tukey's Student range test, and Dunnett's test. Duncan's multiple comparison test and Tukey's test were inconclusive. Only Dunnett's test revealed a significant difference between group 5, Access post, grooved dentin with Flexi-Flow cement with titanium (mean of 89.7 lb), and the control, group 11, Para-Post dowel cemented with zinc phosphate cement (mean of 61.3 lb). All other groups exhibited similar results with retentive values that ranged from 62 to 76 lb.