Effect of Sonic Application of Self-etch Adhesives on Bonding Fiber Posts to Root Canal Dentin

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of sonic application of 5 different self-etch adhesives on the push-out bond strength of fiber posts in root canals. Materials and Methods: In a preliminary test, 24 teeth were treated with manual and sonically assisted bonding, then a composite cylinder was built up to test the shear bond strength as a proof of principle. In the main test, 120 root canals were endodontically prepared and divided into 10 groups: 5 self-etch adhesives (Futurabond DC, Futurabond M, Futurabond U, Optibond XTR, Universalbond), each applied under manual and sonic application modes. After insertion of the fiber posts using the specific adhesive and a dual-curing composite, the teeth were sectioned and the push-out test was performed. The specimens were analyzed by light and scanning electron microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, one-way ANOVA and the Tamhane test. Results: Sonic application of self-etch adhesive systems did not increase the bond strength of fiber posts in root canals. In general, the bond strength decreased from the coronal to the apical part of the root canal, irrespective of the applied method. The best post retention was achieved with Futurabond U and Optibond XTR. Conclusion: Sonic application of self-etch adhesives did not improve the fiber post retention in the root canal and can therefore not be recommended. Nevertheless, sonic application of etch-and-rinse adhesives can increase the bond strength to coronal dentin. Keywords: sonic application, fiber posts, self-etch adhesives, bond strength, failure mode, post retention, coronal dentin