Effect of silica coating on flexural strength of fiber posts.

PURPOSE: Fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts can be air-abraded to obtain good attachment to the resin cement. This study tested the effect of silica coating on the flexural strength of carbon, opaque, and translucent quartz FRC posts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six experimental groups of FRC posts (n=10 per group) were tested, either as received from the manufacturer or after chairside silica coating (30-microm CoJet-Sand). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the flexural strength of nonconditioned (504 to 525 MPa) and silica-coated (514 to 565 MPa) specimens (P > .05) (analysis of variance). The type of post did have a significant effect on flexural strength (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Chairside silica coating did not affect the flexural strength of both carbon and quartz FRC posts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]