ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to compare the retentive strength of zinc-phosphate cement, glass-ionomer cement, and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) cement in the retention of prefabricated posts. The root canals of 60 bovine incisors were prepared and obturated with warm gutta-percha. Post space was prepared, the smear layer removed, and posts were luted with zinc-phosphate cement, glass-ionomer cement, or MTA. The specimens were stored at 37 degrees C and 100% humidity for 2 weeks, and then subjected to increasing axial tensile forces by an Instron machine until bond failure occurred. Data were analyzed by a one-way ANOVA and a Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison test. The retentive strengths of zinc phosphate and glass-ionomer cements were statistically equivalent, and significantly greater than MTA (p < 0.001), which suggests that zinc phosphate or glass-ionomer cement may be superior to MTA when used as luting agents for posts in endodontically treated teeth.
