Retention of posts luted with resin cement in canals obturated using a eugenol sealer - An invitro study

To examine the effect post-obturation sequencing had on the retention of prefabricated posts luted with a resin cement into canals previously obturated using a eugenol based sealer.

64 single rooted upper anterior teeth were decoronated, and root canals were filed, cleaned and shaped with gatesglidden drills and stainless steel hand k-files. Teeth were then divided into 4 groups of 16 specimens each. Group 1 was not obturated and served as a control. The other 3 groups were obturated with gutta-percha and a eugenol based sealer. Post space preparation and post cementation were completed at 3 different post obturation intervals – immediate(Group 2), 1 week(Group 3), and 4 weks(Group 4). Ten mm deep post spaces were prepared with peso reamers and prefabricated posts were cemented with Rely-X-Arc cement. Following 48 hours of storage,specimens were mounted in metal tubes with acrylic and posts were removed in tensile mode using an Instron testing machine at 1mm/min with data recorded in kgs.

Using 1-way ANOVA and bonferroni tests, Group 1 demonstrated significantly greater mean retention strength values than Group 2 and 3(P<0.05) which in turn had significantly greater mean retention strength values than Group 4(P<0.05).

Post space preparation and post cementation with resin cement should not be significantly delayed following obturation when a eugenol containing sealer has been used. Additionally, removal of some canal wall dentin beyond the periphery of the obturated canal is recommended.