Polymerization degree and cementation methods of two different self-adhesive luting cements used for glass fiber postcementation.

AIM: Aim of this study was to evaluate two different luting cements and how their clinical procedures influence the postcementation quality. METHODS: Thirty-six freshly extracted mono-radicular teeth (N.=18) were treated endodontically and randomly divided into two groups. Posts were cemented respectively with two different self adhesive luting cements: Group A - RelyX Unicem (3M Espe) and Group B - Multilink Sprint (Ivoclar-Vivadent) following the manufacturers' instructions. Teeth were then thermocycled according to protocol ISO/TR 11405 and were immersed 24 hours in 2% methylene-blue solution. Each tooth was sectioned by a diamond-coated saw (Isomet-Buhler) from CEJ to apex. Each slice was examined for the presence or absence of gutta-percha remnants, voids, bubbles, dye infiltration degree and polymerization grade of the luting agent. Findings were evidenced by stereoscopic microscopy (30x) and Micro-Raman spectroscopy. Mann-Whitney and ANOVA statistical analyses were performed for all results. RESULTS: No statistical significances were evidenced for gutta-percha presence, dye infiltration and polymerization degree. Voids were present mostly in Group B and bubbles in Group A. Both differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Materials and protocols for glass fiber posts cementation are fundamental for the clinical success. Self adhesive luting cements, if used correctly, could be an acceptable and quick luting agent for postcementation.