Effect of thermocycling on the retention of glass-fiber root canal posts

Objective: This study investigated the effects of thermocycling on the retention of glass-fiber and resin posts. Method and materials: Forty premolar and canine tooth roots were embedded in acrylic blocks shaped to fit into a retention device. The roots were randomly assigned to two groups of 20 to receive either Lightposts or Luscent Anchors which were cemented into 9-mm-deep post spaces, with Panavia F resin cement. Each group was randomly divided into two equal subgroups: one for thermocycling, and the other to serve as a control. The thermocycled specimens were cycled 3'000 times between water baths at 5°C and 55°C, with a dwell time of 60 seconds in each. Control specimens were stored at 37°C. The tensile force required to dislodge each post from its root was recorded and the data analyzed using Student's t tests. Results: There were no significant differences in the forces required to cause post-retention failure between the control and thermocycled specimens. Lightposts were significantly more retentive than Luscent Anchors without thermocycling, but this distinction was not apparent in the thermocycled groups. Conclusion: Glass-fiber and resin posts cemented with resin cement offer acceptable levels of retention and are not susceptible to reduced retention from thermocycling. Thermocycling should be given less emphasis in tests for the retention of root canal posts cemented with resin cements.