Evaluation of Apical Contamination in Teeth with Prefabricated Posts Fixed with Different Dental Cements

Abstract

Objective: To assess the sealing capacity of different dental cements regarding apical microleakage on teeth with prefabricated posts. Material and Methods: Forty-eight single-rooted teeth were selected and, after having their coronal part removed at 10mm standard, underwent endodontic cleaning and preparation. The space for the post was prepared with # 3 Largo bur at 7 mm standard value. The study included the following groups: Group I, post prefabricated with # 1 intracanal glass fiber cemented with zinc phosphate cement (n = 12); Group II, post prefabricated with # 1 intracanal glass fiber cemented with conventional glass ionomer cement, Vidrion C (n = 12); Group III, post prefabricated with # 1 intracanal glass fiber cemented with chemical action resin cement, Multilink (n = 12). Two groups of six teeth each were also included, one as negative control group and the other as positive control. After cementing, teeth were tested through a dual-chamber experimental model, using Enterococcus Faecalis for apical contamination. Results: The control groups behaved as expected: positive control group with total contamination in 11 days and negative control group without any contaminated specimen within observation time of 60 days. Group I showed microleakage in all specimens for up to 29 days (100%). Group II and Group III showed microleakage in 50 and 49 specimens (83.33% and 75%) respectively along the research time of 60 days. Group 1 showed microleakage in all specimens for up to 29 days (100%). Group 2 and Group 3 showed microleakage in 50 and 49 specimens (83.33% and 75%) respectively along the research time of 60 days. The Log-Rank test showed differences between Groups 1 and 2 (p<0.05) and between Groups 1 and 3 (p<0.05). However, there was no difference between Groups 2 and 3 (p> 0.05). The results showed higher delay in bacterial infiltration in Groups 2 and 3 when compared to Group 1. Conclusion: No cement completely prevented infiltration during the experimental period. Zinc phosphate cement had the lowest apical sealing capacity while glass ionomer cement and resin cement showed similar results.