Influence of a microbrush on bonding fiber posts into root canals under clinical conditions

Objective. The objective of this clinical report was to evaluate the effectiveness of a microbrush as a carrier of priming-adhesive solution in formation of resin tags, adhesive lateral branches, and resin-dentin interdiffusion zone (RDIZ) when the brush was used to bond fiber posts under clinical conditions. Study design. Twenty endodontically treated teeth, already scheduled for extraction for endodontic or periodontal reasons, were selected for this study. The patients were informed, and their written consent was obtained. The samples were randomly divided into 2 groups of 10 samples each. In group 1, One-Step (Bisco, Schaumburg, Ill) was applied with a brush with Duo-Link resin cement (Bisco). In group 2, One-Step was applied with a microbrush with Duo-Link resin cement (Bisco). Use of the adhesive systems and resin cements was strictly according to manufacturers' instructions. The priming-adhesive solution was light-cured before the dual resin cement and the post were placed. Twenty Aestheti-Plus posts (white quartz fiber posts; RTD, St. Egreve, France) were used. A week after application, the root samples were extracted and processed for SEM observations. Results. Both adhesive systems showed RDIZ and resin tag and adhesive lateral branch formation. In Group 2 samples, RDIZ morphology was easily detectable and uniform along root canals. Also, resin tag formation was well represented in all thirds. In group 1 samples, resin tag formation at the apical third and RDIZ formation was less evident. Statistically significant differences were found among the two groups at the apical third. Conclusion. The microbrush permitted a more uniform RDIZ and resin tag formation along the entire length of the canal than did the standard brush. The microbrush can be routinely used for bonding fiber posts into root canal preparations. © 2002, Mosby, Inc.