How the translucency of direct anatomic fiber posts affects the bond strength and microhardness of a self-adhesive luting agent in flared roots

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of the composite resin translucency used in direct anatomic fiber posts on the bond strength (BS) and microhardness (VHN) of a luting agent into flared roots. Materials and methods: The root canals of 70 single-rooted premolars were endodontically treated and prepared to simulate an oversized root canal. Prior to post cementation, composite resins with varying translucency (high translucent, HT; medium translucent, MT; high opacity, HO) were placed around the fiber posts to create anatomic fiber posts. The attenuation profile (%) of light passing either through the post or through the anatomic posts (n = 8) was obtained prior to the cementing procedures. A positive control group (PC) in which a prefabricated fiber post (PFP) with the diameter compatible with the root canal was cemented and a poorly adapted fiber post (negative control group, NC) were also evaluated. For both tests, the data were subjected to 2-way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests (α = 0.05). Results: A more severe light attenuation through the post at the cervical (P <.001) and medium (P < 0.001) thirds was noted when less translucent composite resin surrounded the anatomic post. HO groups showed lower BS (P =.009) and VHN (P <.001) values than the other groups, regardless of root third. No significant difference in BS values was noted between PC and HT groups. Conclusion: The use of a more translucent composite resin in anatomic fiber posts increased the microhardness and bond strength of a dual polymerization self-adhesive RLA compared to the use of MT and HO composite. A well-adapted PFP showed the highest adhesive and mechanical behavior. Clinical relevance: Clinicians should choose more translucent composite resins to create direct anatomic fiber posts to be cemented in flared root canals. That choice may allow improved mechanical properties of self-adhesive RLA and higher bond strength to the root canal as a consequence.