Evaluation of Fiber Post Adhesion to Root Dentin Achieved with Different Composite Cements: 1-year In Vitro Results

PURPOSE: To evaluate push-out bond strength (PBS) and interfacial nanoleakage (NL) of adhesively luted fiber posts using different composite cements and polymerization protocols. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 100 premolars were endodontically treated and assigned to the following groups (n=10): RelyX Universal light-cure (3M Oral Care); RelyX Universal self-cure (3M Oral Care); Maxcem Elite Chroma light-cure (Kerr); Maxcem Elite Chroma self-cure (Kerr); Calibra Universal light-cure (Dentsply Sirona); Calibra Universal self-cure (Dentsply Sirona); Multilink Automix light cure (Ivoclar Vivadent); Multilink Automix self-cure (Ivoclar Vivadent); Luxacore Z Dual light-cure (DMG); Luxacore Z Dual self-cure (DMG). Half of the teeth from each group were subjected to the PBS test after 24 h (T0), while the other half was tested after 12 months (T12) of artificial saliva aging. An additional 4 teeth per group were prepared for NL expression. PBS values were analyzed using multivariate ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test. NL scores were analyzed using chi-squared tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed that the variables "cement" and "aging" significantly influenced PBS (p < 0.05), but not "polymerization" and "root region" (p > 0.05). Significantly lower PBS values (p < 0.05) were detected for the Calibra Universal groups compared to other cements, while the RelyX Universal groups performed equally well (p > 0.05) or better than other cements (p < 0.05). At T12, PBS values increased in the majority of groups, irrespective of root region (p < 0.05). Differences in NL expression were present at T0, and in general, the aging process increased marginal infiltration. CONCLUSION: Aging and choice of composite cement influenced PBS, while root region and polymerization protocol seemed to have no influence on posts' resistance to dislodgment.