3D micro-CT analysis of void formations and push-out bonding strength of resin cements used for fiber post cementation

PURPOSE. To investigate the void parameters within the resin cements used for fiber post cementation by micro-CT (mu CT) and regional push-out bonding strength. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Twenty-one, single and round shaped roots were enlarged with a low-speed drill following by endodontic treatment. The roots were divided into three groups (n=7) and fiber posts were cemented with Maxcem Elite, Multilink N and Superbond C&B resin cements. Specimens were scanned using mu CT scanner at resolution of 13.7 mu m. The number, area, and volume of voids between dentin and post were evaluated. A method of analysis based on the post segmentation was used, and coronal, middle and apical thirds considered separately. After the mu CT analysis, roots were embedded in epoxy resin and sectioned into 2 mm thick slices (63 sections in total). Push-out testing was performed with universal testing device at 0.5 mm/min cross-head speed. Data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (alpha=.05). RESULTS. Overall, significant differences between the resin cements and the post level were observed in the void number, area, and volume (P<.05). Super-Bond C&B showed the most void formation (44.86 +/- 22.71). Multilink N showed the least void surface (3.51 +/- 2.24 mm(2)) and volume (0.01 +/- 0.01 mm(3)). Regional push-out bond strength of the cements was not different (P>.05). CONCLUSION. mu CT proved to be a powerful non-destructive 3D analysis tool for visualizing the void parameters. Multilink N had the lowest void parameters. When efficiency of all cements was evaluated, direct relationship between the post region and push out bonding strength was not observed.