Confocal and scanning electron microscopic study of teeth restored with fiber posts, metal posts, and composite resins

Forty-two single-rooted lower premolars, extracted for periodontal reasons, were endodontically treated and divided into 7 groups of 6 teeth each. In five of the groups, three different types of carbon fiber posts, quartz fiber posts, and titanium posts were used in combination with All Bond 2 dental adhesive. In two groups, two types of carbon fiber posts were also cemented with Panavia 21 dental adhesive. After 3 wk storage in saline, the teeth were longitudinally sectioned; one half was observed using confocal microscopy and the other by scanning electron microscopy. The specimens were evaluated for the presence of a resin dentin interdiffusion zone for the presence of voids at post-resin-dentin interfaces and for the determination of the fiber posts' structure. Upon examination with the confocal microscope, the interfaces of teeth restored with All Bond 2 showed a higher percentage (p < 0.05) of resin dentin interdiffusion zone than those treated with Panavia. The fiber size and the post structure were similar in all the fiber posts observed. Some voids were present inside the fiber post structure.