Effect of Chlorhexidine and Ethanol on the Durability of the Adhesion of the Fiber Post Relined with Resin Composite to the Root Canal

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pretreatment of gel chlorhexidine and ethanol on the bond strength and durability of the adhesion of the fiber post relined with resin composite to the root dentin. Methods: Sixty bovine incisor roots were divided into four groups: irrigation with physiologic solution (control), 5 minutes with chlorhexidine, 1 minute with ethanol, and 5 minutes with chlorhexidine followed by 1 minute with ethanol. Fiber posts relined with resin composite were cemented with RelyX ARC (3M ESPE, St Paul, MN) and a self-etching adhesive system Clearfil SE Bond (Kuraray, Kurashiki, Japan). Each group was randomly divided into three subgroups: 24 hours of water storage, 12 months of water storage, and 12 months of oil storage. All roots were sectioned transversely in the coronal, middle, and apical regions, producing 1-mm thick slices, and the push-out test was performed. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance and the Tukey test for post hoc comparisons (alpha = 0.05). Results: Immediate groups showed similar bond strength values with or without chlorhexidine and/or ethanol pretreatment (P > .05). A significant decrease in the bond strength in the control group was observed after 12 months of storage in water and oil (P < .05). The use of chlorhexidine-and/or ethanol-preserved bond strength in the groups stored in water and oil for 12 months (P < .05). Conclusions: Chlorhexidine and/or ethanol pretreatment were capable of preserving the bond strength of the fiber post relined with resin composite to root dentin for 12 months. (J Endod 2011;37:678-683)