Evaluation of Effect by Different Surface Treatment Agents on Retention of Custom made Cast Metal Post and Prefabricated Glass Fibre Post-A Comparative Study

Posts are widely used for restoring endodontically treated teeth with insufficient coronal tooth structure. Custom made cast metal post and core systems have a long history of successful use due to their superior physical properties. Prefabricated post systems have recently become more popular because they can provide satisfactory results, while saving time and reducing costs. Materials and Method: Post spaces were prepared in 60 extracted caries free teeth, and divided into two main groups of 30 teeth each for cast metal and glass fibre posts. These groups were further divided into 3 subgroups of 10 specimens each I) Control group without any surface treatment, II) Specimens treated with 57% ethanol, III) Specimens air abraded with 50um air borne alumina particles. Teeth were mounted in acrylic blocks prepared from a specially fabricated metal device. Posts were luted in the prepared post spaces with glass ionomer luting cement. Retentive strength was tested by Universal testing machine at 2mm/min crosshead speed. Results: Sand blasting of cast metal posts showed more significant improvement in retention compared to both control group and ethyl alcohol treated groups. In case of glass fibre posts, sand blasting significantly improved its retention compared to control group but no significant difference was observed between control and ethyl alcohol treated groups. There was also no significant difference between ethyl alcohol treated and sand blasted group. Conclusion: It was concluded that, sand blasting is an effective method to improve retention of both cast metal and glass fibre posts.