Critical analysis of fiber post surface treatment: a review

Abstract

The surface treatment of fiber posts influence the bonding between composite resin cements and intraradicular retainers, being relevant to the prognostic of teeth without coronal structure. This study aimed to evaluate the different fiber post surface treatment protocols described on literature. The search strategy included a review of PubMed/MEDLINE database using fiber post associated with adhesion; bonding; surface treatment; as keywords. Papers not comprehending English language; assessment of post surface treatment; or testing of materials and their physic-mechanical properties were excluded. Studies about glass and quartz fiber post surface treatment were considered for this literature review. Among the 190 articles included, silane agent was the material most used (60.52%) for the surface treatment of fiber posts, followed by application of alcoholic solutions (38.29%), and primer and/or adhesive systems (36.84%). Sandblasting of post surface was mentioned in (17.89%), but it affected the physical and mechanical properties. Hydrogen peroxide was mentioned only in 5.78% and it was shown to result on adequate exposure of the glass fibers without damaging them. It was concluded that a consensus for fiber post surface treatment still not exist in the current literature. Among the protocols described, the one using hydrogen peroxide followed by application of silane seems the most promising, since it allows increased bond strengths without fiber damage.