Influence of glass fiber post translucency on microhardness and dentin bond strength of resin cement at different root levels

Abstract

The aims of this study were (a) to evaluate the influence of glass fiber post translucency on the hardness of a light-cure resin cement within the root canal; (b) to assess dentin bond strength at different root levels. Fifty human canine roots were randomly divided into five groups. Translucent posts (Exacto, Angelus; White Post DC, FGM; FRC Postec Plus, Ivoclar Vivadent) were used in three groups, opaque posts (Exacto Opaco, Angelus) were used in one group and no posts were used in the last group. The posts were cemented using a light-cure resin cement (Variolink N Base, Ivoclar Vivadent). The roots were cross-sectioned into slices (two from the cervical, two from the middle, and two from the apical thirds) which were then submitted to microhardness and push-out tests. Two-way analysis of variance and Tukey test were performed. Cement microhardness was significantly higher in the translucent post groups when compared to opaque posts and no post. At the apical third, the White Post DC and FRC Postec groups showed higher microhardness values than those in the Exacto Translucido group. The type of glass fiber post did not significantly influence bond strength values. White Post DC and FRC Postec Plus provided higher resin cement microhardness values, especially at the most apical thirds. Bond strength was not dependent on the type of post used. Failure mode analysis suggested superior cement curing when the translucent posts were used.

Keywords:

• Bond strength
• fiber posts
• light-cure resin cement
• microhardness

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.