Improving the seal of amalgam cores with cemented dowels: a comparative in vitro radioactive tracer study

J Endod. 2001 Apr;27(4):288-91. doi: 10.1097/00004770-200104000-00015.

Abstract

Amalgam cores with cemented dowels are commonly used to restore endodontically treated teeth. These restorations were widely studied for their mechanical properties; however, less is known about their sealing ability. The effect of the cement type used for the dowel and that of a bonding agent application were studied in a radioactive tracer coronal leakage study. The sealing ability of posts and cores was also compared with that of 5 mm remaining root canal fillings. Composite luting cement provided a better seal than zinc phosphate cement. The seal provided by 5 mm root canal fillings was poorer than that provided by posts and cores. High variability in seal quality was found among all types of posts and cores studied. This may indicate that the seal provided by cemented dowels with amalgam cores is unpredictable. Because neither the remaining root canal filling nor the post and core may be trusted alone for a seal, each should be performed with the greatest care and both covered with a crown as soon as possible.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Bicuspid
  • Bite Force
  • Composite Resins / chemistry
  • Crowns
  • Dental Amalgam / chemistry*
  • Dental Bonding*
  • Dental Cements / chemistry*
  • Dental Leakage / classification
  • Dentin-Bonding Agents / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Post and Core Technique*
  • Pressure
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Resin Cements / chemistry
  • Root Canal Filling Materials / chemistry
  • Root Canal Therapy
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Surface Properties
  • Thermodynamics
  • Zinc Phosphate Cement / chemistry

Substances

  • Composite Resins
  • Dental Cements
  • Dentin-Bonding Agents
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Resin Cements
  • Root Canal Filling Materials
  • Zinc Phosphate Cement
  • Dental Amalgam