Bond strength of fiber posts and short fiber-reinforced composite to root canal dentin following cyclic loading*

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cyclic loading on the bond strength of fiber posts and short fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) to root canal. One hundred single-rooted teeth were divided into two groups according to the material used for luting fiber posts: (1) Resin-core material (Gradia Core, GC Corp.) and (2) Short FRC (EverX Posterior, GC Corp.). Then the specimens were randomly assigned into three sub-groups according to the post material and the groups are indicated as follows: (1) Short FRC (EverX Posterior) used instead of post and core, (2) Fiber post (GC post, GC Corp.) cemented with resin-core (Gradia Core), (3) Fiber post (GC post, GC Corp.) cemented with short FRC (EverX Posterior), (4) Experimental fiber post cemented with resin-core (Gradia Core, GC Corp), (5) Experimental fiber post cemented with short FRC (EverX Posterior). Then the specimens were subdivided into a further two groups in accordance with the storage condition (cyclic loading and 24 h water storage-control group) (n = 10/per group). The micropush-out bond strength between root dentin and posts was measured. Data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests (α = 0.05). Micropush-out bond strength of the posts to dentin was significantly affected by the type of post material (p < 0.05). However, the load cycling and the resin-based luting agent used had no effect on bond strength values (p = 0.706 and p = 0.346, respectively).     

Effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser surface conditioning on the adhesion of fiber- reinforced composite and zirconia intraradicular posts to the root dentin

This study evaluated the influence of Er,Cr:YSGG laser surface conditioning on push-out bond strength of different root posts to the root dentin. Extracted (N = 27, n = 9 per group) and endodontically treated human mandibular premolars were prepared to receive the posts. Three types of posts, namely quartz fiber (D), glass fiber (S), and zirconium dioxide post (C) were luted with resin cement. The posts were randomly assigned to one of the surface conditioning method: (a) No conditioning, control (L0), (b) Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 175 mJ, 3.5 W for 60 s (L1), and (c) at 225 mJ, 4.5 W for 60 s, with 60 μs pulse duration and repetition rate was 20 Hz (L2) irradiation. Six sections (two coronal, two middle, and two apical) were made in each tooth yielding to 1 mm thick specimens. The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37?°C for 24 h and push-out bond strength (MPa) was tested in a Universal Testing Machine (1 mm/min). Data were analyzed using Kruskall–Wallis and Dunns`s post hoc tests (α = 0.05). In group D, both laser treated groups (L1:16.16 ± 19.89; L2:8.24 ± 9.26) presented significantly less bond strength compared to control group (L0:28.3 ± 16.8) (p < 0.001). Mean push-out bond strength values did not significantly differ according to the root segments (coronal, middle, and apical) (p = 0.106). Application of Er,Cr:YSGG laser, with the parameters tested, did not increase the bond strength of zirconium glass fiber and zirconium oxide posts. Laser surface conditioning decreased the bond strength of quartz fiber posts in the root canal.     

Long-term bond strength of fiber posts cement to dentin with self-adhesive or conventional resin cements

The aim of this study was to evaluate the immediate and the long-term push-out bond strength of glass fiber posts (GFP) cemented with conventional or self-adhesive dual-curing resin cements, at different root depths. Prior to cementation, the GFP (Reforpost #3, Angelus) were etched with 37% phosphoric acid for 30 s followed by silane for 1 min. Thirty canine roots were divided into two groups (n = 15) according to resin cement type: ARC – dual resin cement (RelyX ARC/3M ESPE) combined with an three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive (Adper Scotch Bond Multi-Purpose Plus 3M/ESPE) or U200 – self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200/3M ESPE). The manufacturer’s instructions were followed. After 48 h, the roots were cross-sectioned at three different depths, resulting in serial slices corresponding to the cervical, middle, and apical root thirds. Slices were randomly divided into two groups, according to the period of water storage prior to push-out bond strength analysis: 48 h or 180 days. The data (MPa) were analyzed using three-way ANOVA for randomized blocks (p < 0.05), which showed no significant interaction between the three factors (p = 0.716). The main study factors were also proven not significant (cement: p = 0.711; time: 0.288; root third: p = 0.646). In conclusion, root depth, cement type (self-adhesive or conventional), and storage in water for 180 days did not influence the bond strength of GFP to intracanal dentin.     

Effect of cyclic loading and resin cement type used for luting fiber posts on bond strength at different root levels of crown-restored human teeth

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the bond strength (BS) of glass fiber posts (GFP) at different root levels when luted with conventional or self-adhesive cements in crown-restored human premolars subjected, or not, to cyclic mechanical loading.

Materials and Methods: Sixty lower premolar roots were endodontically treated and prepared for a GFP system. Half of the roots (n = 30) had their posts cemented with a self-adhesive resin cement, while the remaining roots followed a three-step conditioning method: acid etch, bonding agent, and a conventional resin cement. Metal crowns were luted onto the post-core preparations and the specimens were embedded to simulate the periodontium. Half of the specimens from each group (n = 15) were submitted to cyclic loading simulations (130 N; 2.0 Hz) and then sections were obtained from each root for the pushout BS test.

Results: Independently of the cyclic loading and the root level tested, the conventional resin cement provided significantly higher values of BS (p = 0.002). For either cement or either root level, cyclic loading caused a significant decrease in BS values (p = 0.023). The Tukey test indicated that, regardless of the resin cement used or the cyclic loading, BS was highest at the middle and cervical thirds of the root (p = 0.026), and their values did not differ between themselves.

Conclusions: When used for luting GFP, self-adhesive resin cement resulted in lower pushout BS than the conventional counterpart, with cyclic loading causing a decrease in BS of the GFP to dentin for both resin cements.     

Microscopic evaluation of the thickness and structure of the cement and cement–dentin interdiffusion zone after luting posts with three different luting cements

Clinical studies report that failures of fiber post cementation occur mainly at the cement–dentin interface. The aim of this in vitro study is to compare the scanning electron microscopic (SEM) evaluations of the cement thicknesses in the root canals and the thickness of cement–dentin interface zones obtained after luting standardized glass-fiber posts with three different types of luting cements. Thirty single-rooted mandibular premolars of similar sizes were prepared for post insertion after biomechanical preparation and obturation. They were divided into three groups containing 10 samples each. Standardized glass-fiber posts were cemented with zinc phosphate cement for ZNP group, with conventional adhesive resin cement for CAR group, and with self-adhesive resin cement for SAR group. The formation and thickness of cement and cement–dentin interface zone were evaluated by stereomicroscope and SEM using ×800 magnification, and the data were analyzed. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of cement thickness (p = 0.835); however, there were significant differences among the cement layer thicknesses measured at the three examined levels of the root canals (p = 0.000). The groups using conventional adhesive resin cement presented longer micromechanical interlocking while the groups using self-adhesive resin cement showed wide gaps and zinc phosphate cement showed no bonding between cement–dentin interdiffusion zones along the root canal. As a clinical consequence, the use of zinc phosphate cement may not provide strong bond between dentin–cement interface. Conventional adhesive resin cements showed reliable bond to dentin when compared to zinc phosphate and self-adhesive resin cement.     

Effect of timing for core preparation,luting cement type and root level on adhesion of fiber posts to intraradicular dentin

This study assessed the effect of timing of core preparation and luting cement on adhesion of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts on different levels of intraradicular dentin when cemented with either conventional dual-polymerized or self-adhesive resin cement. Single-rooted human teeth (N = 80) were endodontically treated and randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 40) according to resin cement: (a) Conventional dual resin cement (Variolink II, V) or (b) Self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200, R). They were further divided into two subgroups according to timing of core preparation (n = 20): (a) immediate (i) or (b) delayed (d). FRC posts (Cytec Blanco) were cemented and the roots were sliced into discs at the coronal, middle, and apical levels. Push-out tests were then performed in a Universal Testing Machine (1 mm/min). Data (MPa) were analyzed using three-way ANOVA and Tukey’s tests considering the factors ‘core preparation time’, ‘luting cement’, and ‘root level’ (α = 0.05). Type of luting cement (p < 0.001), time of core preparation (p < 0.001), and root level (p < 0.001) significantly affected the bond strength results. R cement was more significantly affected by core preparation time (Ri: 2.91 ± 1.1; Rd: 4.83 ± 1.68) compared to V cement (Vi: 2.92 ± 1.63; Vd: 2.65 ± 1.6) (p < 0.05). Coronal region demonstrated significantly higher bond strength values than those of middle and apical third in all groups (coronal: 4 ± 1.9; middle: 3.1 ± 1.4; apical: 2.4 ± 1.1) (p < 0.05). Adhesive failure between cement and dentin was the most frequent (64%) followed by adhesive failure between cement and post (18%). Delayed core preparation can improve bond strength of FRC posts to intraradicular dentin when cemented with self-adhesive cement compared to conventional dual-polymerized resin cement.     

Are dentin posts biomechanically intensive?: A laboratory and FEA study

The goal of this laboratory and finite elemental stress analysis (FEA) study was to compare fracture strength of dentin post (DP) with stainless steel and glass fiber posts. Single-rooted teeth were decoronated and restored with ParaPost (PP), i-TFC (TFC), and DPs (n = 10). Resin cores were created and loaded until failure (1.0 mm/min). The data were analyzed (ANOVA, Tukey, Chi-Square tests). Three-dimensional FEA models of the posts were created and the stress distributions were calculated using Solid Works/Cosmos works structural analysis program. A significant difference was found among the groups (p < 0.001). TFC group showed the highest and the DP group showed the lowest fracture resistance (p < 0.001). PP created more stress at the root dentin and inside the post. Restoration of roots with glass fiber and DPs may reduce stresses within the core material and the remaining root. However, a fracture-resistant restoration cannot be achieved by using a DP.     

Influence of pH cycling and mechanical loading on the resin-dentin microtensile bond strength

The durability of adhesive interfaces is still a problem in adhesive restorations in dentistry. Laboratorial ageing methods have been proposed to predict the performance of materials, but they still require standardization. The objective of this study was to evaluate the resin-dentin microtensile bond strength of composite restorations subjected to pH cycling and different levels of mechanical loading. Resin blocks were built over a flat superficial dentin of bovine incisors (n = 40), using a three-step adhesive system. Half of the specimens were submitted to 10 cycles of pH cycling, followed by mechanical loading (0, 500,000; 1,000,000; 2,000,000 cycles – 98 N, 4 Hz). The other half was directly subjected to mechanical loading. After ageing, all groups were subjected to a microtensile bond test. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). The frequency of the early de-bonding was compared using the Chi-square test (α = 0.05). The statistical analysis revealed that the cross-product interaction ‘pH cycling’ vs. ‘number of mechanical loading cycles’ (p = 0.72) as well as the main factor ‘pH cycling’ (p = 0.49) was not statistically significant, and they were not able to reduce the resin–dentin bond strength values. Regarding the number of mechanical loading cycles, the groups subjected to 2,000,000 cycles showed lower bond strength values than the others (p = 0.003). The frequency of debonded specimens increased with mechanical loading. Therefore, it can be concluded that in this restorative model, at least 2,000,000 mechanical cycles are need to decrease the microtensile strength and simulate the ageing of the interface.     

Influence of the ER,CR:YSGG laser and different irrigation methods on push-out bond strength of fiber post

Er,Cr:YSGG lasers are currently being investigated for disinfecting the root canal treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of various irrigation protocols on push-out bond strength of fiber posts. Fifty maxillary anterior teeth were divided into five groups (n = 10) according to the protocol that applied into the post space. Group-1: distilled water, Group-2: 5% NaOCl, Group-3: 2% CHX, Group-4: Er,Cr:YSGG laser (1.5 W, 20 Hz, 85 air, 75 water, 26.7 J/cm²), Group-5: Er,Cr:YSGG laser (1.25 W, 50 Hz, 34 air, 24 water, 12.7 J/cm²). Fiber posts were cemented with resin cement. The remaining part of the root, three slices were obtained from each specimen and push-out test was performed. One-way ANOVA and Duncan’s test at a 5% level of significance were used for the statistical analysis. Post space irradiation with Er,Cr:YSGG laser (1.5 W 20 Hz, 85 air, 75 water, 26.7 J/cm²) increases push-out bond strength of fiber post to root canal dentin. Further investigations are needed to establish and optimize ER,Cr:YSGG laser parameters to increase the push-out bond strength of fiber posts.     

Effect of calcium hydroxide removal techniques on the bond strength of root canal sealers

To evaluate the influence of calcium-hydroxide(CH) with different vehicles on the push-out bond strength of different canal sealers to radicular dentin. 152 decrowned single-rooted human teeth were used. After preparation of root canals with nickel-titanium rotary files, 8 roots served as control groups. Then, the roots were divided as follows: (1) Calasept and (2) Surepaste (n = 72). Roots were further subgrouped according to the CH removal techniques: (1) %17 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) + rotary file, (2) %17EDTA + hand file, and (3) %17EDTA (n = 24). Eight roots from each group sectioned longitudinally, divided into two pairs and photographed by stereomicroscope (n = 16). The remaining 16 roots in CH intracanal dressing groups were further divided into 2 subgroups according to the sealer used: (1) AH-Plus-jet and (2) Apexit-Plus (n = 8). Bond strengths of the root canal sealers to root canal dentin were measured using a push-out test setup. The data were statistically analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance p = 0.05. The push-out bond strength values were significantly affected by type of vehicle and the removal techniques (p < 0.05). The mean bond strength of AH-Plus-jet was significantly higher than Apexit-Plus, regardless of type of vehicle and the removal techniques (p < 0.05). There was no difference between vehicles on CH removal (p > 0.05). When examining the removal techniques, only irrigation with %17 EDTA left significantly larger amount of residue (p < 0.05). AH-Plus-jet showed better dislocation resistance than Apexit-Plus. Type of vehicle does not play a fundamental role in the degree of persistence of CH residues on the dentin walls. Instrumentation improves the removal efficiency of CH from root canal.     

Effect of root canal sealers on the push-out bond strengths of tooth-colored posts to root dentine

Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of different root canal sealers on the push-out bond strength of tooth-colored posts to root dentin. Material and methods: Eighty human mandibular premolar teeth with single roots were decoronated and randomly divided into two groups according to post material: G1–G5: Cytec blanco; G6–G10: Cosmopost. In each group, the specimens were further subgrouped according to the filling material plus sealer (n = 8): G1, G6: Gutta-percha + AH Plus; G2, G7: Resilon + Epiphany SE; G3, G8: Gutta-percha + Sealite; G4, G9: Gutta-percha + iRoot SP; and G5, G10: control (unobturated). Cytec blanco and Cosmopost of 1.4 mm diameter were adhesively luted to samples using Variolink II. Push-out test was performed in a universal testing machine, and failure modes were examined under stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed with the two-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s tests. Statistical significance was set to 0.05. Results: Roots obturated with AH Plus (3.48 ± 1.41 MPa), Sealite (3.47 ± 0.65 MPa), and Resilon (3.36 ± 1.23 MPa) had the lowest bond strength (p < 0.005). iRoot SP and control group samples showed the highest bond strength values (7.38 ± 0.89 MPa and 6.43 ± 1.16 MPa, respectively) (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed among tooth-colored posts and sealers (p < 0.05). Adhesive failures were predominant in all groups (48%). Conclusions: When the resin cement Variolink II was used, the types of root canal filling materials and sealers could affect the retentions of the fiber/zirconium posts; the fiber post revealed the higher bond values than the zirconium post; and the calcium silicate-based sealer (iRoot SP) revealed the highest bond strengths.     

Influence of chlorhexidine in cavities prepared with ultrasonic or diamond tips on microtensile bond strength

This study evaluated the effect of chlorhexidine (CLX) in cavities prepared with either ultrasound-mounted CVDentUS diamond tips or conventional diamond burs on dentin bond strength after 24 h and 180 days. Forty-eight dentin surfaces from sound third molars were flattened and divided into four groups (n = 12), according to the type of cavity preparation (CVDentUS ultrasound tip or conventional diamond) and with or without 2% CLX (Consepsis) treatment. After application of the adhesive system (Clearfil SE Bond), microhybrid composite resin blocks (Charisma) were made on the dentin surface in increments. After 24 h, the specimens were sectioned into stick-shaped samples with an adhesive interface of approximately 1 mm². From each tooth, half of the sticks were evaluated after 24 h of storage in distilled water and the other half after 180 days, using a universal testing machine. Three-way analysis of variance showed no significant triple interactions (p = 0.722) or double interactions between factors. Higher bond strength values were observed with the use of ultrasonic tips (p = 0.019), irrespective of whether or not CLX was applied in either time period. No difference in bond strength values was observed in terms of CLX application (p = 0.581). No significant difference in bond strength values was shown after storage for 24 h or 180 days (p = 0.302). In conclusion, the ultrasonic tips promoted greater bond strength to dentin, irrespective of whether or not CLX was applied, and storage time.     

Bonding ability of self-adhesive resin-cements after dentin biomodification with hyaluronic acid

Purpose: The present study evaluated the influence of the hyaluronic acid (HA) on the bonding ability of self-adhesive resin cements to dentin regarding the bond strength. Eighty bovine incisors were ground flat to obtain a 2-mm thick slices which received conical preparations. The specimens were randomly distributed into 4 groups (n = 15) according to the dentin pretreatment (1 – control: untreated dentin; 2 – application of HA) and the evaluation time (1 – control: immediate evaluation; 2 – hydrolytic degradation: 6 months of storage in water at 37 °C). Preparations received the application of a self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200 or MaxCem Elite). Push-out bond strength test was conducted (0.5 mm/min). The bond strength data was submitted to two-way ANOVA/Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). For U200, no significance was observed when comparing the immediate (24 h) and 6 months means for the control groups (unexposed specimens). Previous application of HA to dentin significantly reduced the bond strength of U200 to dentin in both evaluation times (p < 0.05). HA had no significant influence on the push-out bond strength means for the cement MAX in both evaluation times (p > 0.05). The type 1 failure mode (adhesive mode) occurred in 100% of the specimens, irrespective of the dentin treatment or evaluation times. Pretreatment of dentin with HA produces a material-dependent influence on the push-out bond strength. The bonding ability of RelyX U200 is negatively influenced by the pretreatment of dentin with HA, whereas the biomodification of dentin with this bioactive agent causes no impact for the cement MaxCem Elite.     

Degree of conversion and adhesion of methacrylate-based resin cements with phosphonic or phosphoric acid acrylate to glass fiber posts at different regions of intraradicular dentin

This study evaluated the degree of conversion (DC) and adhesion of methacrylate-based resin cements to glass fiber posts at different regions of intraradicular dentin. Single-rooted teeth (N?=?24, n?=?12 per group) were cut at the cement–enamel junction (CEJ), endodontically treated and post space (depth?=?8 mm) was prepared. Teeth were randomly divided into two groups according to the resin cements: (a) Group ML: methacrylate-based cement with phosphonic acid acrylate (Multilink Automix, Ivoclar Vivadent); (b) Group RXU: methacrylate-based cement with phosphoric acid acrylate (RelyX Unicem 2 Automix, 3 M ESPE). Fiber-reinforced composite root posts (RelyX Fiber Post, 3 M ESPE) were cemented according to the manufacturers’ instructions of the resin cements. Root slices of 2-mm thickness (n?=?3 per tooth) were cut below the CEJ 1, 3, and 5 mm apically. The DC of each section was analyzed with micro-Raman spectrometer and push-out test was performed in the Universal Testing Machine (0.5 mm/min). After debonding, all specimens were analyzed using optical microscope to categorize the failure modes. While data (MPa) were statistically evaluated using Kruskal Wallis, Mann–Whitney U tests for DC data 3-way ANOVA and Tukey’s tests were used (α?=?0.05). Regardless of the resin cement type, the mean push-out bond strength results (MPa), were significantly higher for the coronal slices (ML: 9.1?±?2.7; RXU: 7.3?±?4.1) than those of the most apical ones (ML: 7?±?4.9; RXU: 2.89?±?1.5) (p?=?0.002). Resin cement type and (p?p?=?0.002) significantly affected the DC values, while the interaction terms were not significant (p?=?0.606). Overall, DC was significantly higher for ML (67?±?8.2%) than RXU (26?±?8.8%) (p?相似文献   

Which is effective on bond strength of resin-based sealers: incorporation of powdered dentin to primer or adhesive?

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adding powdered dentin to primer or adhesive in a self-etch system on the shear bond strength of three resin-based sealers. Seventy-two premolars were sectioned buccolingually, and 144 root halves were divided into three groups according to the sealer used: epoxy resin-based sealer (AH Plus), methacrylate resin-based (RealSeal, Hybrid Root SEAL) n = 48. The surfaces were irrigated with 5% NaOCl, 17% EDTA, distilled water for 5 min. Four subgroups were created (n = 12): control group; Clearfil Liner Bond 2 V treated group; powdered dentin added to the primer of Clearfil Liner Bond 2 V (40 wt.%); and powdered dentin added to the adhesive of Clearfil Liner Bond 2 V (20 wt.%). Dentin powder was prepared. Three mm high buildups with a constant surface area of 3.45 mm² were created using the sealers and allowed to set (37 ºC, 100% humid, 72 h). The samples were tested to failure for shear bond strength (1 mm/min). The data were calculated (MPa) and analyzed using two-way ANOVA, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey HSD tests. Adhesive use decreased the bonding performance of AH Plus (p = 0.00). Mean bond strength of the other sealers was found similar to control. Primer or adhesive resin with powdered dentin did not increase the adhesive performance of the self-etch system used. The shear bond strength of RealSeal was significantly increased when powdered dentin was added to primer or adhesive (p = 0.00). The effect of adding powdered-dentine to primer or adhesive in a self-etch system on the shear bond strength was sealer-dependent .     

Impact of conditioning regimens and time on adhesion of a fiber post to root dentin using two resin cements

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of irrigation protocols on the bond strength of a glass fiber post bonded to dentin using two resin cements. In 200 root-filled teeth, post space was prepared and divided into five groups (n?=?40) based on the irrigation protocol: group 1 (3% sodium hypochlorite), group 2 (3% sodium hypochlorite – 17% Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid), group 3 (a mixture of sodium hypochlorite and etidronic acid), group 4 (sodium hypochlorite – QMix), and group 5 (distilled water). Samples were subdivided into two subgroups (n?= 10) and fiber posts were cemented using subgroup A (Self-adhesive dual-cure resin cement; SEA) or B (dual-cure resin cement following an etch-and-rinse protocol, ER). Push-out bond strength was performed after 24 h and four months (n?= 10) and failure modes were categorized. Statistical analysis of data was carried out by appropriate analyses (p < 0.05). The irrigation protocol and the resin cement had a significant impact on push-out bond strength. Subgroup A group showed lower bond strength than B at both time periods when 3% NaOCl–17% EDTA and 1:1 mixture of 6% NaOCl + 18%EA protocols were used. Three percent NaOCl used in combination with 17% EDTA or QMix significantly decreased the push-out bond strength of ER at the end of four months (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dual-cure resin cements bonded with etch-and-rinse protocol showed highest bond strength when a mixture of NaOCl and etidronic acid was used as root canal irrigant. These values were differentially influenced by time.     

Adhesion of cast metal alloy and lithium disilicate copings luted to different core build-up materials with self-adhesive resin cement

This study evaluated the shear bond strength of two coping materials (non-nickel chrome-based cast alloy and lithium disilicate ceramic (IPS Empress) to four different core foundation materials (resin composite, cast metal alloy, lithium disilicate, and dentin), luted with adhesive resin cement (RelyX Unicem). Specimens (N = 56) were fabricated and divided into eight groups (n = 7 per group). Each coping material was luted with self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX Unicem) to the core materials. Bond strength was measured in a Universal Testing Machine (0.5 mm/min). Data were statistically analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s HSD tests (alpha = 0.05). Both core (p = 0.000) and coping material type (p = 0.000) significantly affected the mean bond strength (MPa) values. Interaction terms were also significant (p = 0.001). The highest bond strength results were obtained when lithium disilicate was bonded to lithium disilicate (21.48) with the resin cement tested. Lithium disilicate in general presented the highest bond results when bonded to all core materials tested (16.55–21.38) except dentin (3.56). Both cast alloy (2.9) and lithium disilicate (3.56) presented the lowest bond results on dentin followed by cast-alloy-cast alloy combination (3.82).     

Effect of various post materials and resin luting cements on microleakage in endodontically treated root canals

The effect of various post materials luted with different resin luting cements on microleakage in root canals was studied in the present study. Sixty carious and crack-free premolars were prepared using a step-back technique and obturated with gutta-percha. The roots were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10). Two different post types, glass fiber reinforced posts and zirconium posts (ZP), were cemented three different resin adhesive cements (Panavia F 2.0, Smartcem 2, and Variolink II) in the root canals. All specimens were thermal cycled and stored in the methylene blue solution for one week. The roots were sectioned horizontally into three sections: apical, middle, and coronal. The occlusal direction of each section was digitally photographed under a stereomicroscope. Dye penetration area was calculated as the methylene blue-infiltrated surface divided by total dentin area. After the two-way Anova test results, Tukey HSD and Bonferroni tests were used for multiple comparisons. According to the test results, ZP luted with Panavia F showed the best microleakage results and glass fiber posts luted with smartcem 2 showed the most unsuccessful microleakage results (p = 0.146).     

Mechanical properties of flared root canals restored with fiber post and chemically activated resin: study using push-out bond strength and fracture load tests

This study aimed to evaluate the fracture load and push-out bond strength of flared root canals restored with different procedures, including a technique with a fiber post and a chemically activated resin composite. Eighty human canines were selected and treated endodontically. Two methodologies were used: push-out and fracture load. The teeth were divided into four groups: Cast metal core (CMC); PAN (direct anatomic post); PAC (fiber post and accessory posts); and PE (fiber post with chemically activated resin composite). For the fracture load test, the samples were submitted to load application in a universal testing machine. The fracture mode was evaluated visually. Forty other samples were submitted to the push-out test. The fracture load (n = 10) and the bond strength (n = 10) were analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey tests (α < 0.05). CMC presented the highest fracture load (p < 0.05), and no significant differences were observed in the fracture load values for Groups PAN, PAC, and PE. CMC presented 90% of unfavorable failures; PAN and PAC, the remaining 10% of these failures. PE presented only favorable failures. PAC presented lower push-out bond strength values. The fracture load for CMC procedure was higher than that of the others, but presented 90% unfavorable fractures, indicating the use of any of the glass fiber post techniques evaluated for restoring flared root canals due to favorable fracture modes.     

Effect of 2% chlorhexidine digluconate application and water storage on the bond strength to superficial and deep dentin

The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of chlorhexidine, applied before a self-etching adhesive system (Clearfil SE Bond) on microtensile bond strength to superficial and deep dentin (DD), immediately and after six months of water storage (WS). Forty dentin specimens were divided into two groups according to dentin depth: superficial and deep. The specimens were then divided according to the solution to be applied (n = 10): CLX: 2% chlorhexidine (passively applied for 60 s) and NT (no treatment). A self-etching adhesive system was applied according to the manufactures instructions, with composite restorative placed on the dentin surface. After 24 h, dentin–resin blocks were sectioned into beam-shaped specimens that were submitted to microtensile bond strength testing either immediately or after six months of WS. Data were submitted to three-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). Bond strength values for the deep dentin group were significantly lower than those observed for superficial dentin (SD) (p = 0.002), whether chlorhexidine solution had been applied or not. There was no statistical difference in bond strength for specimens tested after 24 h and 6 months of WS. The application of chlorhexidine did not affect immediate and long-term bond strength to dentin. Bond strength in deep dentin was lower than in SD.