Comparative evaluation of adhesion of glass fiber post to the root dentin after surface treatment of post and using universal bonding agent: An in vitro study

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study is the evaluation and comparison of surface roughness and bond strength of glass fiber post (GFP) after different types of surface treatment and the application of a universal bonding agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty GFPs were divided into four groups based on surface treatment: Group I, silane coupling agent application for 60 s; Group II, air abrasion with 30 μm silicon dioxide powder particles in 2.5 bar pressure from 2 cm distance for 10 s, followed by silane coupling agent application; Group III, 9% hydrofluoric acid application for 10 s, rinsed and air-dried, followed by silane coupling agent application; and Group IV, silane coupling agent application, followed by universal bonding agent application. Surface roughness evaluation is done by a profilometer. All posts were cemented in the root of the maxillary central incisor with resin cement. After that, root was placed in an acrylic mold, and the external end part of the post was mounted on another acrylic mold. Pull-out bond strength was measured by a universal testing machine. RESULTS: Highest surface roughness and bond strength values were found in Group II. CONCLUSION: Pretreatment of GFP increases the surface roughness of post as well as bond strength of post to root dentin. There is a correlation between surface roughness and bond strength. However, the use of only universal bonding agent also showed comparable pull-out bond strength of GFP, which means only use of universal bonding agent also a new alternative as pretreatment of GFP and helps in increase in bond strength.