ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the times needed to dislodge prefabricated titanium posts of different luting lengths with various cements. METHODS: Eighty-one intact extracted, single-canal human teeth were selected and endodontically treated. Specimens were randomly divided into 9 groups, which were arranged according to the post space length (5, 7, and 9 mm) and cement type (zinc phosphate, glass ionomer, and resin cement). Titanium posts were cemented into the post spaces, and after 1 week of storage they were subjected to ultrasonic vibration. The dislodging times were recorded and analyzed by using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (P < .05). RESULTS: A significant difference was observed between the dislodging times on the basis of post length and luting agent (P < .001). There were also significant differences between different cements luted with the same length posts (P < .001). Significant differences were observed between the 5-mm posts and both the 7- and 9-mm posts for each cement, but the differences between the 7-mm and 9-mm posts were not significant (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Changes in the cement type and post length alter the time required to dislodge a post with an ultrasonic device.
