In vitro methods to evaluate the mechanical behavior of teeth restored with post and core: a structured review

To critically assess in vitro methods used to evaluate the mechanical behavior of endodontically treated teeth restored with intra-radicular posts and cores. Literature review: a literature search of in vitro studies was conducted in PubMed database using the search terms: ("endodontic*" OR "intracanal post") AND ("fracture" OR "resistance" OR "load" OR "strength"). A filter for publication date was set to return studies from the last five years (from October 2010 to October 2015). The research strategy resulted in 1,556 studies. After the analysis of the eligibility criteria, 92 articles were included in a descriptive analysis. Human upper central incisors were used most frequently. The natural mobility of teeth was simulated using an artificial periodontal ligament in 66.7% of the studies. In 32.2% of the studies, the load to fracture was applied directly to the core. Thermocycling was performed in 27.2% of the studies. Cyclic loading was used in 38% of the studies. Final considerations: periodontal ligament simulation, thermocycling and cyclic loads are some methods that have been employed to approximate laboratory studies to the clinical conditions that teeth restored intra-radicular posts and cores are submitted. Novel test methodologies, such as step-test and staircase approach, have been used to evaluate the fatigue behavior of this systems. However, it is important do highlight that, considering the context in which most of the included studies were performed, the extrapolation of the results to the clinical practice should be made carefully

Influence of different adhesive systems on the pull-out bond strength of glass fiber posts

This in vitro study evaluated the tensile bond strength of glass fiber posts (Reforpost – Angelus-Brazil) cemented to root dentin with a resin cement (RelyX ARC – 3M/ESPE) associated with two different adhesive systems (Adper Single Bond - 3M/ ESPE and Adper Scotchbond Multi Purpose (MP) Plus – 3M/ESPE), using the pull-out test. Twenty single-rooted human teeth with standardized root canals were randomly assigned to 2 groups (n=10): G1- etching with 37% phosphoric acid gel (3M/ ESPE) + Adper Single Bond + #1 post (Reforpost – Angelus) + four #1 accessory posts (Reforpin – Angelus) + resin cement; G2- etching with 37% phosphoric acid gel + Adper Scotchbond MP Plus + #1 post + four #1 accessory posts + resin cement. The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 7 days and submitted to the pull-out test in a universal testing machine (EMIC) at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The mean values of bond strength (kgf) and standard deviation were: G1- 29.163 ± 7.123; G2- 37.752 ±13.054. Statistical analysis (Student’s t-test; á=0.05 showed no statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the groups. Adhesive bonding failures between resin cement and root canal dentin surface were observed in both groups, with non-polymerized resin cement in the apical portion of the post space when Single Bond was used (G1). The type of adhesive system employed on the fiber post cementation did not influence the pull-out bond strength.