Comparison of Resin Cement Insertion Techniques for Luting Fiberglass Posts

Objective: To evaluate the effect of two insertion techniques of self-adhesive dual resin cement on the bond strength of fiberglass posts in different portions of the root. The homogeneity of the cement layer along the root canal was also evaluated. Material and Methods: The root canals of 28 bovine teeth were instrumented, filled, and 14mm-space was prepared for luting fiberglass posts (Reforpost #3, Angelus), maintaining 4mm of apical sealing. The roots were randomly allocated into two groups according to the cement insertion technique (n=14): Lentulo Drill (Dentsply/Maillefer) or Centrix syringe (Dentsply). The posts were fixed with self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200, 3M ESPE). After 7 days, the roots were cross-sectioned to obtain three 1.0-mm-thick samples of each third of the space prepared for the post. Two samples of each third were subjected to push-out test (0.5 mm/min; 200N) and the third specimen was used for the analysis of cementation layer homogeneity. Images of specimens (40x magnification) were assessed and classified by two calibrated examiners (Kappa = 0.87) according to the presence or absence of voids and misfit. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Pearson Chi-Square test. Results: There was no statistically significant effect of insertion technique (p=0.278) or post-space thirds (p = 0.521) on bond strength of fiberglass posts. Chi-Square test showed that cement insertion with the Lentulo drill produced more cement voids than Centrix syringe (p = 0.023). Conclusion: The cement insertion technique did not influence bond strength of fiberglass posts in bovine root dentin. The use of Centrix syringe for cement insertion is preferred since it produced more homogenous cement layer.