Post-surface conditioning improves interfacial adhesion in post/core restorations

OBJECTIVES: To verify the influence of different etching procedures of the post-surface on microtensile bond strength values between fiber posts and composite core materials. METHODS: 60 DT Light Posts were divided into 10 subgroups using five different chemical surface treatments and two composite materials to build-up the abutment. Chemical surface treatments including etching with potassium permanganate; treatment with 10% hydrogen peroxide; treatment with 21% sodium ethoxide; etching with potassium permanganate and 10 vol.% HCl; silanization (control group) were performed on the post's surface. The build-up was performed using (A) Core Paste XP (Dent Mat) and (B) Unifil Flow (GC). Two samples of each group were randomly selected to investigate the morphologic aspect of the post/core interface with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The remaining specimens were cut so as to obtain microtensile sticks that were loaded in tension at a cross-head speed of 1mm/min until failure. The statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA and the Tukey's test for post-hoc comparisons (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: SEM examination showed an interpenetrating adhesion network between the treated fiber post-surface and the composite material in all the groups tested. The results achieved with potassium permanganate had a significant influence on microtensile interfacial bond strength values with both the tested materials. Post-superficial treatments enhanced the bond strength particularly of Core Paste XP. SIGNIFICANCE: Etching procedures showed a similar effect on the post-surface and enhanced the adhesion of composite core build-ups as a result of micromechanical and chemical retention.