Effect of ultrasonic vibration on post removal in extracted human premolar teeth

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of ultrasonic vibration in removing Paraposts from extracted teeth. Paraposts were cemented in mandibular premolars to a depth of 9 mm with zinc phosphate cement and the teeth placed in four groups. Group 1 received no vibration. Group 2 received vibration for 4 min, group 3 received vibration for 12 min, and group 4 received vibration for 16 min. Tensile forces were applied to the posts and mean dislodgment forces compared. The mean force (kg) required to dislodge the Parapost in group 1 was 24.92 +/- 1.64 SEM; in group 2, 25.01 +/- 1.80; in group 3, 24.08 +/- 2.29; and in group 4, 12.41 +/- 2.60. There was a significant difference between group 4 and groups 1 to 3 (p = 0.0003). Results of this study indicate that 16 min ultrasonic vibration is an effective method for removing Paraposts from human premolar teeth.