Rationale for Low-Modulus Endodontic Posts
Transcription
Rationale for Low-Modulus Endodontic Posts
Continuing Education Course Number: 124.2 Rationale for Low-Modulus Endodontic Posts Authored by Al Heller, DDS Upon successful completion of this CE activity 1 CE credit hour may be awarded A Peer-Reviewed CE Activity by Dentistry Today, Inc, is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in indentifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at ada.org/goto/cerp. Approved PACE Program Provider FAGD/MAGD Credit Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial board of dentistry or AGD endorsement. June 1, 2009 to May 31, 2011 AGD Pace approval number: 309062 Opinions expressed by CE authors are their own and may not reflect those of Dentistry Today. Mention of specific product names does not infer endorsement by Dentistry Today. Information contained in CE articles and courses is not a substitute for sound clinical judgment and accepted standards of care. Participants are urged to contact their state dental boards for continuing education requirements. Continuing Education Recommendations for Fluoride Varnish Use in Caries Management Rationale for Low-Modulus Endodontic Posts These 2 clinicians were merely looking for a post material that would not predispose root damage, which had been a serious drawback in their clinical experience with prefabricated metal posts, and cast posts and cores. This article discusses the physical properties and clinical rationale for the use of fiber endodontic posts, and demonstrates the use of 3 devices that improve the technique for bonding fiber posts to tooth structure. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After reading this article, the individual will learn: • • The advantages of fiber posts versus metal posts. Technique for bonding a post utilizing procedures and devices that enhance and ensure complete treatment of the post space and preparation. BACKGROUND Young’s Modulus of Elasticity (relative stiffness) of fiber posts is similar to that of dentin. After nearly 2 decades of worldwide clinical service and observation, it is evident that this mechanical property alone allows the bonded fiber post/composite build-up assembly to absorb and dissipate mastication and traumatic stresses rather than redistribute the stresses to another part of the tooth.1-4 This appears to be true whether the fiber post contains carbon, glass, quartz, zirconia oxide, or a combination of these fiber types, and regardless of the overall shape (tapered or parallel) of the fiber post.5-6 Low-modulus fiber post-composite cores dramatically outperformed the traditional custom cast post in a 4-year clinical evaluation,7 and few medium- and long-term clinical studies have been published comparing prefabricated metal posts to fiber posts. However, research documents that certain fiber posts offer more than adequate flexural strength,8-10 fatigue resistance,11-12 and even improved fracture resistance13-16 in restored teeth. Other studies17-19 demonstrate more favorable fiber post resistance to microleakage when compared to metal posts. Further, bonded, tapered, microretentive (smooth to the naked eye) fiber posts can provide retention to the tooth equal to or greater than the parallel metal ParaPost.20 All types of post-core restorations can fail clinically, but clinical observations and the dental literature offer consensus that failures involving low-modulus post-core buildups are almost always noncatastrophic and allow retreatment.21-24 In cases where the post-core does not fail, but the endodontic treat-ment requires reaccess, studies conclude that fiber posts can be atraumatically removed in less than 7 minutes.22,25-27 ABOUT THE AUTHORS Dr. Heller lives and practices in Uruguay. He is an assistant professor in the Department of Operative Dentistry, Postgraduate Course, Postgraduate School of Dentistry, ABO in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and is professor of the Master of Science in Aesthetic Dentistry, Dental-Facial Aesthetic and Cosmetic Academy in Chile. He lectures internationally on various aesthetic topics including bleaching, composites, shade matching, and direct bonding. Dr. Heller is 2009 winner of the IberoAmerica Dental Federation Award. He can be reached at hmstudio@multi.com.uy. Disclosure: Dr. Heller reports no conflicts of interest. INTRODUCTION Fiber reinforced composite posts appear to have attained a permanent and integral role in the re-engineering of the endodontically treated tooth. The inherent differences in clinical behavior between metallic and fiber posts and the potential benefits to clinician and patient were not well understood or even apparent when Duret and Reynaud developed and patented the first generation of fiber posts in 1989 and 1995 (Composipost in 1989; C-Post in 1995). 1 Continuing Education Rationale for Low-Modulus Endodontic Posts The clinical procedure, however, requires a few minutes more to remove all of the fibers and cement.28 While the first generation of fiber posts were as aesthetically unacceptable as their metal predecessors, since 2001 clinicians have had a wide choice in fiber posts, translucent or tooth-shaded, and a variety of tapered, pointed, parallel shapes. From a clinical perspective, all other mechanical properties being equal, very translucent posts offer one clinical advantage over the same post in an opaque version—polymerization energy conductivity. Manufacturers of fiber posts advocate use of dual-cure resin cement because of the clinical track record, expediency, and comparative insolubility. Published data confirm that translucent fiber posts help to conduct some light-polymerization energy into the post space.29,30 How “deep,” how “much” energy, and other factors vary according to post thickness, post composition, type of curing light, and curing light output. Regardless, using the post’s intrinsic fiber-optic bundle to stabilize the post within a few seconds expedites the restorative technique by several minutes. Radiographic visibility is an important clinical attribute, which is achieved by different means and by various manufacturers using combinations of different fibers and radiopacifiying filler particles. The clinician should be aware that these endodontic post brands offer different levels of radiopacity as defined by ISO Specification No. 4049.31 By their nature, and in contrast to stainless steel posts and base metal castings, fiber posts are incapable of corrosion or galvanic reaction, and they have been proven biocompatible to the satisfaction of the US Food and Drug Administration. All of the physical attributes of fiber posts that have been described were either known and were intended at the time of invention or have been improved gradually over the last 15 years. For decades it was assumed that metal posts would reinforce the endodontically treated tooth while securing the core and crown assembly. There is now a body of evidence suggesting that fiber posts can actually improve the prognosis of endodontically treated teeth in terms of fracture resistance32-35 and in clinical cases presenting with less remaining tooth structure.21,36 The amount of remaining tooth structure (walls and ferrule structure) may therefore be less influential to success with fiber posts than with metallic posts. CEMENTATION OF FIBER POSTS The core material of choice for use with fiber posts, regardless of brand shape, fiber opacity, or any other consideration, is dual-cure composite. The first alternative would be light-cure composite, and the least acceptable option is self-cure (chemical-cure) composite. Research cited above in references 1 to 32 addresses the mechanical behavior of fiber posts compared to metallic posts, by themselves (without surrounding tooth structure) and when placed in function in teeth. In clinical trials with some observations as long as 11 years, the most common failure mode directly related to the fiber post/core (versus periodontal or endodontic failure, noncompliance, etc) is decementation. As little as 0%,37-39 1%,40 ~2%,41,42 and 3.5%,43 to as high as 4.3%44 has been reported. While this level of detachment is no worse than their metal predecessors, efforts should be made to reduce the potential for any clinical failures. Regarding cementation, the interfaces of critical interest to the clinician are: 1. Post surface to resin cement. 2. Resin cement to bonding adhesive. 3. Bonding adhesive to root dentin. 4. Post to core composite. Many authors44-57 have studied various means of enhancing the bond between the surface of the post and the resin cement, using primers, silane (both factoryapplied and chairside), air-abrasion, etching, and other methods. Results are contradictory and improvement is minimal. The most challenging and controversial of these interfaces is bonding to the dentin in the deep (10 to 14 mm) post space. In clinical decementation and in vitro testing (pull-out, push-out, and microtensile) the interface that usually fails first, albeit at respectable loads, is the bond to the dentin. Variations in the available bonding/cement systems’ cavity configuration (C-factor) may contribute to this. The C-factor has a significant effect on the magnitude of shrinkage stresses that result from polymerization. The 2 Continuing Education Rationale for Low-Modulus Endodontic Posts C-factor is defined as the ratio of the bonded surfaces to the unbonded surfaces of the restoration. The Class I cavity has the highest C-factor of 5 (ie, 5 bonded:1 unbonded; a Class 2 restoration is 4:2, thus a C-factor of 2). Further, since it is known that in routine cases of bonding to dentin with flatsurface geometry (such as in vitro studies) current adhesives and cements work reliably, the reason for cementation failure of fiber endodontic posts is likely related to clinical technique. Therefore, the following technique factors should be considered: • Cement selection—resin versus glass ionomer • Self-cure versus dual-cure versus light-cure • Etch-bonding agent + cement versus self-etch/selfadhesive cement • Surface treatment of interior dentin • Interaction with different sealers and obturation materials (ZOE, noneugenol, new products) Figure 1. On the left is a canal that was filled with cement, then the post submerged into the canal. On the right is the Dip-N’-Hope method. GREAT POST, POOR BONDING Historically, the luting of a post was merely a small “step” in the prosthetic process of rebuilding a tooth. It was accomplished by mixing a powder:liquid luting agent, then buttering the post with the cement and inserting it into the canal. This insertion method is still being taught in many institutions. The technique prevents cement from coating the bottom one third (or more) of the canal since the cement on the post is subjected to shear forces upon insertion and thins as the post is inserted, and ultimately little if any luting agent is present in the bottom of the canals (Figure 1). This is easily experienced when placing a parallel metal post, since one of 2 results typically occurs: 1. The post fully seats with minimal resistance. 2. If cement does reach the apex, the post experiences hydraulic rebound and begins to “lift” up out of the canal due to trapped cement and/or air that could not be vented. (Note: During certain procedures, some clinicians may use a Lentulo spiral device to deliver cement alone into the root canal, but this device cannot be used to deliver etchant to the bottom of the canal as required for proper bonding of the post as discussed in this article.) Figure 2. Endodontic model wrapped with polyvinyl siloxane to hide the post opening. Today it is well understood that adhesively bonded resin cement is the standard protocol for placing a fiber post. How the post is bonded is as important as which post is selected.57-59 Bonding an endodontic post is a “blind” procedure, and certain devices and techniques (discussed below) may be helpful in achieving optimal results. In a recent discussion with Dr. Phillip Brown,60 he told me how he devised a simple experiment for dentists attending a recent continuing education course. An endodontic model with a post preparation was given to each participant. The crown of a human molar was sectioned and glued on top of the model with an occlusal access opening to the endodontic post space. Further, the model was wrapped with a polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) putty “sleeve” to hide the view of the canal in the clear model (Figure 2). 3 Continuing Education Rationale for Low-Modulus Endodontic Posts Participants who acknowledged that they actually do bond endodontic posts in clinical practice were asked to deliver etchant into the canal as they normally would. The dentists were given a choice of 5 popular etchants currently on the market and an assortment of tips supplied by each manufacturer. None of the participants asked for special equipment or devices other than paper points. All dentists injected their preferred etchant until they felt they had completely filled the canal, and several participants requested paper points to attempt to further manipulate the etch to the bottom of the canal. Upon completion, excess etchant had overfilled the canal and stacked up on the occlusal surface. At this point, the PVS cover was removed and the participants were shown how well they had delivered etchant into the canal (Figure 3). No one successfully dispensed etchant down the entire canal, including those who also used paper points (Figure 4). It is easily observed that upon injecting etchant into the canal with a standard tip, the etchant tends to block the canal about halfway down, which creates an air bubble in the apical portion of the canal. Paper points or instruments cannot transport etchant farther down the canal since the entrapped air cannot be vented coronally. The air acts like a balloon and prevents migration of any etchant to the apical region. In part 2 of the test, the participants rinsed out the etchant that they had placed with the PVS cover in place. Considering the results of the first part of the test, the participants became determined to fully rinse away the etchant. Several participants spent almost one full minute attempting to rinse the canal, which was far more time than they would likely use at chairside. Using the standard air-water syringe (no one requested any other device), all participants failed to completely remove the etchant (Figure 5). Turbulence in the coronal one third of the canal prevented water from reaching the bottom and fully removing the etchant. Research and clinical experience have shown that restored teeth fail predominantly by debonding of the post.1 However, the weakest link and typical failure location is at the cement-dentin interface,40 not at the post-cement interface. Bonding within the root canal presents a clinical challenge due to poor bonding in the apical portion of the canal. The higher bond strengths are at the coronal end. Figure 3. Etchant failed to reach the bottom of the canal. Figure 4. Paper point failed to transport etchant to the apex. The blunt end of the paper point still failed to move the etchant into the air bubble. Figure 5. Canals after rinsing with standard air/water syringe. Note residual etchant still in the canal. Potesta, et al61 examined 3 resin cement systems to test the effect of different etching techniques on bond strength. UniCore fiber posts (Ultradent Products) were used with all 4 Continuing Education Rationale for Low-Modulus Endodontic Posts Mega Pascals Mean maximum bond strengths of all 4 groups at different levels 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 PermaFlo DC (control) Panavia F 2.0 PermaFlo DC TriAway/LeurVAc RelyX Unicem Groups Figure 6. Bond strengths at various regions of the post canal. (Figure 6 adapted with permission from: Polo C, Broome J, Burgess J, and Ramp LC, UAB School of Dentistry, Birmingham, Ala. Effect of cementation technique on pushout strength of fiber posts. Presented at 2008 IADR meeting in Toronto, Canada.) 3 cements. The cements tested were: (1) PermaFlo DC (Ultradent Products) resin cement utilizing an etch-andrinse adhesive; the etch and rinse technique utilized a TriAway irrigation device (Ultradent Products) for the air/water syringe and a Leur Vacuum adaptor (Ultradent Products) for the high-volume suction; (2) Panavia, F 2.0 (Kuraray) with self-etching ED Primers; and (3) UniCem (3M ESPE) as a self-adhesive cement. The results are shown in Figure 6. Note that for the controls (Panavia F 2.0 and RelyX UniCem) the bottom three fourths of the canal show dramatic drops in bond strength. As seen with the PermaFlo DC/TriAway group, using the TriAway and Leur Vacuum adaptor produced relatively consistent bond strengths through the entire length of the canal. Further, the absolute best bond values for the controls were still less than the lowest bond value for the PermaFlo DC group. Figure 7. A standard etchant tip is shown on the bottom; an Endo-Eze extended length tip is shown above. Figure 8. Air/water syringe equipped with the TriAway Adapter with Leur lock tip (Ultradent Products). that reach the bottom of the canal. These are typically about 18 to 20 mm long versus a standard etchant tip which is about 10 to 12 mm in length. These disposable tips, shown in Figure 7, are offered by many companies in several gauges. A 22-gauge tip will fully navigate almost any size post hole. 2. TriAway air/water adaptor, equipped with a long cannula tip. This device slides over the air-water syringe THREE DEVICES FOR MAXIMIZING ENDODONTIC POST BONDING TECHNIQUE There are 3 devices that can easily be incorporated into the bonded post technique that will ensure uniform and predictable bonding of the post: 1. Long cannula Leur Lock delivery tips for the etchants 5 Continuing Education Rationale for Low-Modulus Endodontic Posts and supplies an endless amount of water for rinsing. It can also deliver a stream of air down the canal for drying adhesive solvents. The TriAway (Figure 8) can be disinfected and reused. A Stropko Irrigator (SybroEndo) is another device used in the same manner. The Stropko is metal and autoclavable. 3. The Leur Vacuum Adapter (Figure 9) fits into any standard chairside vacuum valve. It is composed of 2 pieces: a standard high-volume suction barrel and a clear insert with threading to accommodate any Leur Lock tip. This device will suction fluid out of the root canal, pull high volumes of air across the canal thus evaporating solvents from adhesives, and can be used to lightly vacuum excess moisture out of the canal while leaving it moist for proper bonding. This device eliminates the laborious and tedious use of paper points and is fully autoclavable. The following clinical case describes how these simple devices can be used to ensure that the canal is properly treated for bonding a fiber endodontic post. Figure 9. Leur Vacuum Adapter with Leur lock tip (Ultradent Products). Figure 10. Exposure of the gutta-percha. CLINICAL TECHNIQUE A 38-year-old male was referred after completion of endodontic therapy on the maxillary left lateral incisor. The facial enamel was chipped and approximately one third of the distal clinical crown was missing. A post-and-core buildup was initiated with the intent of a full coverage crown in the future. The temporary restoration was removed and the tooth opened and prepared for the buildup; the gutta-percha was exposed for post placement (Figure 10). Based on the size of the obturated canal, a No. 1 UniCore Fiber Post (Ultradent Products) was chosen (Figure 11). UniCore Fiber Posts possess higher flexural and tensile strength than metal posts while having a modulus similar to dentin, virtually eliminating the risk of root fractures.15 The post has a tapered root end with a parallel coronal end for maximum surface area for core bonding. The UniCore drills (Figure 11) are unique in that they are not end-cutting drills. Rather, the heat-generating tip plasticizes the gutta-percha, then the side flutes discharge the debris coronally. With this system, no other drills are required, eg, no preshaping drill followed by additional finishing drills. The fact that the drills are not Figure 11. UniCore post and drill (Ultradent Products). Figure 12. Removal of the guttapercha with the noncutting drill. end-cutting essentially eliminates the possibility of perforating even small-rooted teeth. The post hole is prepared using the drill at full speed with gentle pressure (Figure 12). Full rpm is maintained while entering and leaving the tooth to prevent binding on the dentin walls. The preparation and post space were then rinsed using 6 Continuing Education Rationale for Low-Modulus Endodontic Posts the TriAway and dried using the Leur Vacuum Adapter (Figures 8 and 9). Phosphoric acid was then applied. With proper isolation, the canal and the super structure can all be etched in one application. The etchant is delivered to the bottom of the post canal first using a 22-gauge long delivery tip (Figure 7). When the canal was filled, the super structure was covered (Figure 11). After a 15-second dwell time, the TriAway was used again to accomplish complete rinsing of the etchant from the apical portion of the canal toward the incisal opening. Following rinsing of the etchant, the Leur Vac Adaptor, equipped with a 22-gauge long delivery tip, was used to lightly vacuum the canal, leaving a moist surface for application of the bonding agent (Figure 12). Rubber dam isolation allows application of the adhesive to both the canal and preparation super structure simultaneously and without concern for contamination. The adhesive was applied (Figure 13) using a Navi FX Tip (Ultradent Products) on the adhesive syringe. This particular tip allows predictable placement of the adhesive to the apical extent of the canal while the bristles help scrub the adhesive into the sidewalls, much like a test tube cleaner. Air drying and light curing were then accomplished. PermaFlo DC resin cement, with a new intraoral “goose neck tip” (Figure 14) was injected directly into the canal from the apical extent upwards (incisally) to eliminate air bubbles. The canal was now completely filled with cement to prevent “joint starvation,” eg, bubbles and voids, between the post and dentin. The tapered UniCore Post, with its specially engineered tip, will vent excess cement coronally upon insertion. The No. 1 UniCore Post was inserted into the cementfilled canal and the excess was spread over the base of the post (Figures 15 to 20). Since the UniCore Post conducts light, a curing light was then directed down through the post for 40 seconds to polymerize the cement. The clinician can now proceed directly with the buildup without any loss of chair time. Since a crown was not immediately placed, an aesthetic composite was selected for the final restoration. Incremental layers of multiopacity nanohybrid were placed and cured. Note that the post was cut off during adjustment Figure 13. Begin injecting etchant from the apex toward the coronal opening. Figure 14. Clinical application of etchant, starting at the bottom of the canal. Figure 15. Rinse etchant using the TriAway syringe followed by removal of excess moisture with the Leur Vacuum Adapter. Figure 16. Removal of excess moisture with the Leur Vacuum Adapter. of the lingual surface and remains as part of the restoration. Unlike metal posts that require one to 2 mm of core material coverage, the UniCore Post can be trimmed to be a part of the buildup since it bonds directly to the composite and has 7 Continuing Education Rationale for Low-Modulus Endodontic Posts a modulus similar to that of the remaining tooth and buildup. The post and buildup restoration can be compared to the original clinical presentation by viewing the preoperative and postoperative radiographs (Figures 21a and 21b). The fiber post is best visualized on the postoperative film by first finding the coronal termination point of the gutta-percha, then looking for the radiopaque post above it. Note in this case how well defined the post outline is compared to the preoperative film. The post can be more difficult to see when looking in the coronal one third of the canal. Since the UniCore post has about the same radiopacity as composite, it may be more difficult to see where the cement and composite become thicker. Determining the presence of a good fiber post is no different than visualizing a composite versus an amalgam—once you know what to look for, it is relatively easy. Also note that the post has a “clean” fit against the gutta-percha; that is, the post hole diameter has not been overprepared such that the post is wider than the gutta-percha. Figure 17. Application of an adhesive using the Navi-FX intracanal tip (Ultradent Products). Figure 18. PermaFlo DC (Ultradent Products) with an intraoral “gooseneck” attached to the static mixing tip for direct delivery to the bottom of post holes. CONCLUSION Young’s Modulus of Elasticity of fiber posts is similar to that of dentin. This mechanical property alone allows the bonded fiber post/composite buildup assembly to absorb and dissipate mastication and traumatic stresses rather than redistribute the stresses to another part of the tooth. This characteristic appears to be true whether the fiber post contains carbon, glass, quartz, zirconia oxide, or a combination of these fiber types, and regardless of the overall shape (tapered or parallel) of the fiber post. Low-modulus fiber post-composite cores have been shown to outperform the traditional custom cast post. While few medium- and long-term clinical studies have been published comparing prefabricated metal posts to fiber posts, there exists a plethora of in vitro research documenting that certain fiber posts offer more than adequate flexural strength, fatigue resistance, and even improved fracture resistance in restored teeth. Other studies demonstrate more favorable resistance to microleakage compared to metal; bonded, tapered, microretentive fiber posts can provide retention to the tooth equal to or greater Figure 19. Insertion of post into the cement filled canal. Figure 20. Final aesthetic buildup around the post. than the parallel metal ParaPost. Adhesively bonded resin cement is the standard protocol for placing a fiber post. How the post is bonded is as important as which post is selected. Even the most meticulous technique for syringing impression material into 8 Continuing Education Rationale for Low-Modulus Endodontic Posts a sulcus can periodically lead to the need to repeat the procedure. Bonding an endodontic post is a “blind” procedure, similar to endodontic therapy itself, and therefore must incorporate similar endodontic devices and techniques to achieve the best results. A clinical technique for achieving successful bonding of fiber endodontic posts has been presented. a b Figure 21. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs. REFERENCES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Seefeld F, Wenz HJ, Ludwig K, et al. Resistance to fracture and structural characteristics of different fiber reinforced post systems. Dent Mater. 2007;23:265-271. 11. Wiskott HW, Meyer M, Perriard J, et al. 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Long-term retrospective study of the clinical performance of fiber posts. Am J Dent. 2007;20:287-291. 43. Monticelli F, Grandini S, Goracci C, et al. Clinical behavior of translucent-fiber posts: a 2-year prospective study. Int J Prosthodont. 2003;16:593-596. 44. Cagidiaco MC, Radovic I, Simonetti M, et al. Clinical performance of fiber post restorations in endodontically treated teeth: 2-year results. Int J Prosthodont. 2007;20:293-298. 45. Mazzitelli C, Ferrari M, Toledano M, et al. Surface roughness analysis of fiber post conditioning processes. J Dent Res. 2008;87:186-190. 19. Reid LC, Kazemi RB, Meiers JC. Effect of fatigue testing on core integrity and post microleakage of teeth restored with different post systems. J Endod. 2003;29:125-131. 20. Borer RE, Britto LR, Haddix JE. Effect of dowel length on the retention of 2 different prefabricated posts. Quintessence Int. 2007;38:e164-e168. 21. Barjau-Escribano A, Sancho-Bru JL, Forner-Navarro L, et al. Influence of prefabricated post material on restored teeth: fracture strength and stress distribution. Oper Dent. 2006;31:47-54. 22. Cormier CJ, Burns DR, Moon P. In vitro comparison of the fracture resistance and failure mode of fiber, ceramic, and conventional post systems at various stages of restoration. J Prosthodont. 2001;10:26-36. 23. King PA, Setchell DJ. An in vitro evaluation of a prototype CFRC prefabricated post developed for the restoration of pulpless teeth. J Oral Rehabil. 1990;17:599-609. 24. Pilo R, Cardash HS, Levin E, et al. Effect of core stiffness on the in vitro fracture of crowned, endodontically treated teeth. J Prosthet Dent. 2002;88:302-306. 25. Anderson GC, Perdigão J, Hodges JS, et al. Efficiency and effectiveness of fiber post removal using 3 techniques. Quintessence Int. 2007;38:663-670. 26. Gesi A, Magnolfi S, Goracci C, et al. Comparison of two techniques for removing fiber posts. J Endod. 2003;29:580-582. 27. Lindemann M, Yaman P, Dennison JB, et al. Comparison of the efficiency and effectiveness of various techniques for removal of fiber posts. J Endod. 2005;31:520-522. 28. Frazer RQ, Kovarik RE, Chance KB, et al. Removal time of fiber posts versus titanium posts. Am J Dent. 2008;21:175-178. 29. Lassila L, Vallittu P. Photopolymerization of fiber reinforced root canal post. Abstract 3479. IADR/AADR/CADR 80th General Session. San Diego, Calif. March 6-9, 2002. iadr.confex.com/iadr/2002 SanDiego/techprogram/ abstract_17346.htm. Accessed on February 23, 2010. 30. Sawada N, Hikage S, Sakaguchi K. Shape of composite resins photopolymerized by the translucent post. Abstract 2569. IADR/AADR/CADR 80th General Session. San Diego, Calif. March 6-9, 2002.iadr.confex.com/iadr/2002 SanDiego/techprogram/abstract_16843.htm. Accessed on February 23, 2010. 31. Denny D, Heaven T, Broome JC, et al. Radiopacity of luting cements and endodontic posts. Abstract 0675. IADR/AADR/CADR 83rd General Session. Baltimore, Md. March 9-12, 2005. iadr.confex.com/ iadr/2005Balt/techprogram/ abstract_61433.htm. Accessed on February 23, 2010. 32. Salameh Z, Sorrentino R, Ounsi HF, et al. Effect of different allceramic crown system on fracture resistance and failure pattern of endodontically treated maxillary premolars restored with and without glass fiber posts. J Endod. 2007;23:848-851. 10 Continuing Education Rationale for Low-Modulus Endodontic Posts 54. Kelsey WP, Latta MA, Kelsey MR. Endodontic post retention with three surface treatments. Abstract 1863. IADR/AADR/CADR 83rd General Session. Baltimore, Md. March 9-12, 2005. iadr.confex.com/iadr/2006Orld/techprogram/ abstract_72609.htm. Accessed on February 23, 2010. 55. Dallari B, Mason PN, Rovatti L, et al. Different surface pretreatment and composite-to-quartz fiber posts adhesion. Abstract 0550. IADR Pan European Federation 2006. Dublin, Ireland. September 13-16, 2006. iadr.confex.com/iadr/pef06/ techprogram/ abstract_83972.htm. Accessed on February 23, 2010. 56. Radovic I, Monticelli F, Cury AH, et al. Surface treatment influence on fiber post-resin cement bond strength. Abstract 0245. IADR Pan European Federation 2006. Dublin, Ireland. September 13-16, 2006. iadr.confex.com/iadr/pef06/techprogram /abstract_84511.htm. Accessed on February 23, 2010. 57. Cheleux N, Cazalas C, Sharrock P. Influence of silane on bond strength of fiber post. Abstract 0016. IADR Pan European Federation 2006. Dublin, Ireland. September 13-16, 2006. iadr.confex.com/iadr/pef06/techprogram/abstract_84685.htm. Accessed on February 23, 2010. 58. Polo C, Broome J, Burgess J, et al. Effect of cementation technique on pushout strength of fiber posts. Abstract 1757. IADR 86th General Session & Exhibition. Toronto, ON, Canada. July 1-5, 2008. iadr.confex.com/iadr/2008Toronto/techprogram/ abstract_109123.htm. Accessed on February 23, 2010. 59. Boschian Pest L, Cavalli G, Bertani P, et al. Adhesive postendodontic restorations with fiber posts: push-out tests and SEM observations. Dent Mater. 2002;18:596-602. 60. Personal communication with Dr. Phillip L. Brown, Draper, Utah. 61. Potesta FL, Broome JC, O’Neal SJ, et al. The effect of etching technique on the retention of adhesively cemented prefabricated dowels. J Prosthodont. 2008;17:445-450. 46. Osorio R, Toledano M, Albaladejo A, et al. Influence of hydrofluoric acid conditioning on silane-treated glass fiber posts. Abstract 0376. The Joint Meeting of the Continental European (CED) and Scandinavian (NOF) Divisions of the IADR. Amsterdam, Netherlands. September 14-17, 2005. iadr.confex.com/iadr/eur05/techprogram/abstract_68551.htm. Accessed on February 23, 2010. 47. Aksornmuang J, Nakajima M, Tagami J. Effect of surface treatments of a glass fiber post on bond strength to dual-cured resin core material. Abstract 0376. The 32nd Annual Meeting and Exhibition of the AADR. San Antonio, Tex. March 12-15, 2003. iadr.confex.com/iadr/2003SanAnton/techprogram/ abstract_25604.htm. Accessed on February 23, 2010. 48. Perdigão J, Gomes G, Lee IK. The effect of silane on the bond strengths of fiber posts. Dent Mater. 2006;22:752-758. 49. Cheleux N, Gregoire G, Sharrock P. Effect of sandblasting on the mechanical properties of fiber posts. Abstract 0378. Joint Meeting of the Continental European (CED) and Scandinavian (NOF) Divisions of the IADR. Amsterdam, Netherlands. September 14-17, 2005. iadr.confex.com/iadr/eur05/techprogram/ abstract_68733.htm. Accessed on February 23, 2010. 50. Sahafi A, Peutzfeldt A, Asmussen E, et al. Bond strength of resin cement to dentin and to surface-treated posts of titanium alloy, glass fiber, and zirconia. J Adhes Dent. 2003;5:153-162. 51. Tavares AU, Cardoso PEC. A microtensile evaluation in fiber post with different surface treatments. [No abstract number.] The 21st Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Society for Oral Research. Sau Paulo, SP, Brazil. September 8-12, 2004. iadr.confex.com/iadr/brazil04/preliminaryprogram/abstract_5547 7.htm. Accessed on February 23, 2010. 52. Gardner C, Petrie CS, Walker MP, et al. Airborne particle abrasion and aqueous storage effects on fiber posts. Abstract 2925. IADR/AADR/CADR 83rd General Session. Baltimore, Md. March 9-12, 2005. iadr.confex.com/iadr/2005Balt/tech program/abstract_59499.htm. Accessed on February 23, 2010. 53. Egbert G, Broome JC, Ramp LC. Assessing bond of composite to fiberposts by diametral compression testing. Abstract 1864. ADEA/AADR/ CADR Meeting & Exhibition. Orlando, Fla. March 8-11, 2006. iadr.confex.com/iadr/2006Orld/techprogram/ abstract_75433.htm. Accessed on February 23, 2010. 11 Continuing Education Rationale for Low-Modulus Endodontic Posts POST EXAMINATION INFORMATION 2. Which device successfully dispenses etchant down the entire canal? a. Paper points. b. TriAway air/water adaptor, equipped with a long cannula tip. c. Long cannula Leur Lock delivery tips. d. Paper points and long cannula Leur Lock Delivery tips. To receive continuing education credit for participation in this educational activity you must complete the program post examination and receive a score of 70% or better. 3. Which statement is correct? a. Young’s Modulus of Elasticity of metal posts is similar to that of dentin. b. Young’s Modulus of Elasticity of fiber posts is similar to that of dentin. c. Young’s Modulus of Elasticity of zirconia posts is similar to that of dentin. d. Young’s Modulus of Elasticity of cast posts is similar to that of dentin. Traditional Completion Option: You may fax or mail your answers with payment to Dentistry Today (see Traditional Completion Information on following page). All information requested must be provided in order to process the program for credit. Be sure to complete your “Payment,” “Personal Certification Information,” “Answers,” and “Evaluation” forms. Your exam will be graded within 72 hours of receipt. Upon successful completion of the postexam (70% or higher), a letter of completion will be mailed to the address provided. 4. Which statement is correct? a. Prefabricated metal posts and fiber posts have the same properties. b. Prefabricated metal posts improve fracture resistance in restored teeth. c. Certain metal posts offer more than adequate fatigue resistance in restored teeth. d. Certain fiber posts offer more than adequate flexural strength in restored teeth. 5. UniCore Fiber Post was chosen in the clinical case presented because: a. UniCore Fiber Posts possess an adequate flexural and tensile strength while having a modulus similar to dentin, virtually eliminating the risk of root fractures. b. UniCore Fiber Posts possess an adequate flexural and tensile strength while having a modulus similar to metal, virtually eliminating the risk of root fractures. c. UniCore Fiber Posts possess an adequate flexural and tensile strength while having a modulus similar to dentin, virtually eliminating the coronal fractures. d. UniCore Fiber Posts possess an adequate flexural and tensile strength while having a modulus similar to cast posts, virtually eliminating the risk of root fractures. Online Completion Option: Use this page to review the questions and mark your answers. Return to dentalcetoday.com and sign in. If you have not previously purchased the program, select it from the “Online Courses” listing and complete the online purchase process. Once purchased the program will be added to your User History page where a Take Exam link will be provided directly across from the program title. Select the Take Exam link, complete all the program questions and Submit your answers. An immediate grade report will be provided. Upon receiving a passing grade, complete the online evaluation form. Upon submitting the form your Letter Of Completion will be provided immediately for printing. 6. In the clinical case presented, which statement is correct? a. The etchant is delivered to the bottom of the post canal first using a 22-gauge long delivery tip. When the canal was filled, the super structure was covered. b. The etchant is delivered first to the super structure. When the superstructure was covered, the canal was filled to the bottom of the post canal using a 22gauge long delivery tip. c. After a 15-second dwell time, the TriAway was used to accomplish complete rinsing of the etchant from the incisal opening of the canal toward the apical portion. d. After a 15-second dwell time, the TriAway was used to accomplish complete drying of the etchant from the apical portion of the canal toward the incisal opening. 7. In the clinical case presented, which statement is correct? a. Following rinsing of the etchant, the Leur Vac Adaptor, equipped with a 22gauge long delivery tip, was used to highly vacuum the canal, leaving a dry surface for application of the bonding agent. b. Following rinsing of the etchant, the Leur Vac Adaptor, equipped with a 44gauge long delivery tip, was used to highly vacuum the canal, leaving a moist surface for application of the bonding agent. c. Following rinsing of the etchant, the Leur Vac Adaptor, equipped with a 22gauge long delivery tip, was used to lightly vacuum the canal, leaving a dry surface for application of the bonding agent. d. Following rinsing of the etchant, the Leur Vac Adaptor, equipped with a 22gauge long delivery tip, was used to lightly vacuum the canal, leaving a moist surface for application of the bonding agent. General Program Information: Online users may log in to dentalcetoday.com any time in the future to access previously purchased programs and view or print letters of completion and results. POST EXAMINATION QUESTIONS 8. In the clinical case presented, which statement is correct? a. PermaFlo DC resin cement was applied using a Navi FX Tip on the adhesive syringe. b. PermaFlo DC resin cement was applied using a new intraoral “goose neck tip” on the adhesive syringe. c. PermaFlo DC resin cement using a Navi FX Tip was injected directly into the “goose neck tip” into the canal from the apical extent upwards (incisally) to eliminate air bubbles. d. PermaFlo DC resin cement with a new intraoral “goose neck tip” was injected directly into the canal from the apical extent upwards (incisally) to eliminate air bubbles. 1. Which procedure is able to fully rinse away the etchant all along the root canal and the apical region? a. The standard air-water syringe with the TriAway air/water adaptor, equipped with a long cannula tip and the Leur Vacuum Adapter. b. The standard air-water syringe and The Leur Vacuum Adapter. c. TriAway air/water adaptor, equipped with a long cannula tip and the Leur Vacuum Adapter. d. The standard air-water syringe and TriAway air/water adaptor, equipped with a long cannula tip. 12 Continuing Education Rationale for Low-Modulus Endodontic Posts PROGRAM COMPLETION INFORMATION PERSONAL CERTIFICATION INFORMATION: If you wish to purchase and complete this activity traditionally (mail or fax) rather than online, you must provide the information requested below. Please be sure to select your answers carefully and complete the evaluation information. To receive credit you must answer at least 6 of the 8 questions correctly. Last Name (PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY OR TYPE) First Name Profession / Credentials Complete online at: dentalcetoday.com Street Address TRADITIONAL COMPLETION INFORMATION: Suite or Apartment Number Mail or fax this completed form with payment to: City License Number State Zip Code Dentistry Today Daytime Telephone Number With Area Code Department of Continuing Education 100 Passaic Avenue Fairfield, NJ 07004 Fax Number With Area Code Fax: 973-882-3622 E-mail Address Payment & Credit Information: Examination Fee: $20.00 Credit Hours: 1.0 ANSWER FORM: COURSE #: 124.2 Note: There is a $10 surcharge to process a check drawn on any bank other than a US bank. Should you have additional questions, please contact us at (973) 882-4700. Please check the correct box for each question below. I have enclosed a check or money order. I am using a credit card. My Credit Card information is provided below. American Express Visa MC Discover Please provide the following 1. a b c d 5. a b c d 2. a b c d 6. a b c d 3. a b c d 7. a b c d 4. a b c d 8. a b c d (please print clearly): PROGRAM EVAUATION FORM Exact Name on Credit Card Please complete the following activity evaluation questions. / Credit Card # Rating Scale: Excellent = 5 and Poor = 0 Expiration Date Course objectives were achieved. Content was useful and benefited your clinical practice. Review questions were clear and relevant to the editorial. Illustrations and photographs were clear and relevant. Written presentation was informative and concise. How much time did you spend reading the activity & completing the test? Signature Approved PACE Program Provider FAGD/MAGD Credit Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial board of dentistry or AGD endorsement. June 1, 2009 to May 31, 2011 AGD Pace approval number: 309062 Dentistry Today, Inc, is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in indentifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at ada.org/goto/cerp. 13