Australian Dental Journal

The official journal of the Australian Dental Association

Australian Dental Journal 2011; 56:(1 Suppl): 7783

doi: 10.1111/j.1834-7819.2010.01298.x

Current perspectives on post systems: a literature review

C Goracci,* M Ferrari*
*Department of Dental Materials and Fixed Prosthodontics of Siena, Tuscan School of Dental Medicine, University of Florence and Siena, Italy.

ABSTRACT
This literature review summarizes the most recent and reliable evidence on post systems. A search was limited to review
articles published over the last 10 years in dental journals with an impact factor. Papers cited in the initially retrieved review
articles were also included if significant. Preservation of tooth tissue, presence of a ferrule effect, and adhesion are regarded
as the most effective conditions for long-term success of post-endodontic restorations. Adhesively luted fibre-reinforced
composite post restorations have demonstrated satisfactory survival rates over relatively long follow-up periods. The clinical
effectiveness of such restorations has been mainly ascribed to the more biomimetic behaviour of fibre-reinforced composite
posts that reduces the risk of vertical root fractures. The most common type of failure when using fibre posts is post
debonding and it is generally agreed that achieving stable adhesion to intraradicular dentine is more challenging than to
coronal dentine. Several factors related to endodontic treatment, root canal shape, post space preparation, post
translucency, adhesive cement handling and curing may have an influence on the outcome of the luting procedure. The most
reliable results in fibre post cementation are obtained by etch-and-rinse adhesives in combination with dual-cure resin
cements. The use of self-adhesive resin cements has also been proposed. Simplification is an obvious advantage of these new
materials. However, the durability of their bond still needs to be verified with long-term clinical studies. Several techniques
for pre-treating the fibre-reinforced composite post surface have been tested with the aim of improving the bond strength at
the post-core and post-cement interfaces. Silicoating followed by silanization currently appears to be the most effective and
convenient method for this purpose. In conclusion, the available evidence validates the use of fibre posts as an alternative to
metal posts and preferably to other tooth-coloured posts, such as zirconia dowels, in the restoration of endodontically
treated teeth. Longer term clinical trials are expected to further strengthen this evidence.
Keywords: Adhesive, cement, fibre-reinforced composite, post, root dentine.
Abbreviations and acronyms: FEA = finite element analysis; FRC = fibre-reinforced composite.

MEDLINE database, accessed through PubMed. The

INTRODUCTION
The primary purpose of a post is to retain the coronal
restoration in an endodontically treated tooth that has
suffered an extensive loss of crown structure.1 Numer-
ous techniques and materials have been proposed for
the restoration of endodontically treated teeth.2 Metal-
lic prefabricated and cast posts have been utilized for
decades. More recently, in response to the request for
tooth-coloured posts, several non-metallic dowels have
been marketed. Among them, epoxy resin posts rein-
forced with carbon fibres, epoxy or methacrylate resin
posts reinforced with quartz or glass fibres, zirconia
posts, and polyethylene fibre-reinforced posts can be
distinguished.3
The objective of this literature review was to
summarize the most recent and reliable evidence on
post systems. An electronic search of pertinent, English
language, peer-reviewed literature was conducted in the
2011 Australian Dental Association
following query terms were entered: non-metal post,
non metal post, prefabricated post, fiber post, zirconia
post, polyethylene fiber post, post-endodontic restora-
tion*, restor* of endodontically treated teeth. The
search was limited to review articles published over the
last 10 years in dental journals with an impact factor.
Papers cited in the initially retrieved review articles
were also included if significant. Additionally, the
websites of relevant dental journals were explored in
the search for in press papers.
REVIEW
According to the conclusions of a recent review by
Dietschi et al.,4 in the restoration of endodontically
treated teeth the approach has evolved from a totally
empirical level to the current application of biome-
chanical concepts to guide the decision-making process.
77
C Goracci and M Ferrari
Primarily, preservation of tooth tissue, presence of a
ferrule effect, and adhesion are regarded as the most
effective conditions for long-term success of the restor-
ative procedure.1,46 Specifically, contemporary adhe-
sively luted fibre-reinforced composite (FRC) post
restorations have manifested satisfactory survival rates
over relatively long follow-up periods.4,7,8 The clinical
effectiveness of such restorations has been mainly
ascribed to the more biomimetic behaviour of FRC
posts.4,9,10 Specifically, in the presence of the less rigid
fibre posts, root fractures are very rare, and restorable
failures, such as post debonding, are more likely to
occur.4,8,9,1113 Owing to a greater similarity in elastic
properties with dentine, FRC posts allow for a rela-
tively uniform stress distribution to the tooth and the
surrounding tissues, thus yielding a protective effect
against root fracture.3,4,8,9 Conversely, titanium, stain-
less steel and zirconia have elastic moduli (110 GPa,
200 GPa, 300 GPa, respectively) well above that of
dentine (18 GPa). In the presence of rigid posts, stress is
transmitted internally and concentrates towards the
apical level, thus increasing the risk for vertical root
fracture, that represents a catastrophic failure.4,6,9,11,13
A visualization of stress distribution within the
restored teeth has been provided by several finite
element analysis (FEA) studies. Among them, the
analyses using three-dimensional (3-D) models are
considered more reliable. Three-dimensional FEA sim-
ulations have pointed out the relevance of preserving
the ferrule effect,14 and using restorative materials with
elastic properties similar to dentine, such as resin
composites,15 for a more favourable performance of
the restored teeth under stress.4 Conversely, no evi-
dence was found that posts can actually reinforce the
roots.4 These findings are in agreement with the results
of static fracture resistance tests, as well as of fatigue
studies.4,16,17 Static fracture resistance tests mimic
stresses such as those transmitted in trauma, to
abutments of removable dentures, or when removing
a temporary crown. However, failures in the oral cavity
more commonly occur due to functional loads or
parafunctional forces repeated over a long period of
time. Such stress conditions are more reliably simulated
in fatigue tests.4
Besides laboratory test outcomes, results from ran-
domized controlled clinical trials, both prospective and
retrospective, provide evidence to support the use of
FRC posts for the restoration of endodontically treated
teeth.4,7,8,18
In addition to the favourable biomechanical behav-
iour, other advantageous properties of fibre posts have
contributed to their rapid diffusion among clinicians.
Fibre posts simplify the post-endodontic restoration
procedure in comparison with the use of cast posts, by
eliminating the laboratory step. Additionally, fibre
posts are relatively easy to remove by boring through
78
the middle of the post with an ultrasonic or a rotary
instrument, in case endodontic retreatment is
needed.19,20 Moreover, quartz or glass fibre posts offer
the most favourable optical properties for reproducing
the natural aspect of the restored tooth.21
FRC post composition
FRC posts are made of carbon, quartz or glass fibres,
embedded in a matrix of epoxy or methacrylate resin
(Table 1, Fig 1).3 Fibres are oriented parallel to the post
longitudinal axis and their diameter ranges between 6
and 15 lm. Fibre density, i.e. the number of fibres per
mm2 of post cross-sectional surface, varies between 25
and 35, depending on the post type. Therefore, in a
tranverse section of the post 3050% of the area is
occupied by fibres.21 The adhesion between quartz or
glass fibres and resin matrix is enhanced by fibre
silanization prior to embedding. A strong interfacial
bond enables load transfer from the matrix to the fibres
and is essential for an effective use of the reinforcement
properties.22
FRC post shape
FRC posts are available in different shapes: cylindrical,
cylindroconical, conical, double-tapered (Table 1,
Fig 2). There are indications in the literature that
parallel-sided posts are more retentive than tapered
dowels.1,3 Double-tapered posts better adapt to the
shape of the endodontically treated canal, thus limiting
the amount of dentine tissue to be removed in post
space preparation.9 Some marketed posts exhibit a
coronal head or serrations for retentive purposes
(Fig 2). Oval-shaped glass fibre posts were recently
introduced for better adaptation into ovoid-shaped
canals (Fig 3A and 3B).23,24 For ovoid-shaped canals,
the use of an ultrasonic oval-shaped tip has been
suggested for a more conservative post space prepara-
tion (Fig 3A).25
Adhesive luting of fibre posts
Several clinical studies have pointed out that the most
frequent failure mode of fibre post retained restorations
is post debonding.4,8 Since fibre posts are passively
retained into the root canal, the effectiveness of the
adhesive cement and the luting procedure plays a
relevant role in the overall clinical performance of the
restorations. Nevertheless, achieving stable adhesion to
intraradicular dentine, particularly at the apical level,
remains a clinical challenge, due to the negative
influence of several intervening factors.26 Among them,
endodontic irrigants, such as sodium hypochlorite,
EDTA, hydrogen peroxide, RC Prep, as well as calcium
hydroxide and eugenol of medicaments and sealers
2011 Australian Dental Association
 Post systems

Table 1. Chemical composition and shape of several marketed fibre posts

Post Fibres Resin matrix Shape

RelyX Fiber Post Glass Resin Double tapered

3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA
FRC Postec Plus Glass UDMA, TEGDMA, Ytterbium Tapered
Ivoclar-Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein trifluoride, highly
dispersed silicon dioxide
GC Fiber Post Glass Methacrylate Double tapered
Tokyo, Japan
DT Light Post Illusion Quartz Epoxy Double tapered
RTD, Grenoble, France
DT Light Post Quartz Epoxy Double tapered
RTD Grenoble, France
Macrolock Illusion Post Quartz Epoxy Tapered, circumferential head
RTD, Grenoble, France grooves, spiral head serrations

Radix Fiber Post Zirconium enriched glass Epoxy Double tapered

Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland
DT Light Safety Lock Pre-conditioned quartz Epoxy Double tapered
VDW, Munich, Germany
Dentin Post X Glass Epoxy Tapered with a retentive head
Komet, Lemgo, Germany
Snowpost Zirconia-rich glass Epoxy Cylindrical with long apical cone
Abrasive Technology, Lewis Center, Ohio, USA
Reforpost Glass Bis-GMA Serrated
Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brasil
FibreKleer Serrated Post Glass Bis-GMA, UDMA, HDDMA Serrated
Jeneric Pentron, Wallingford, CT, USA
Composipost Carbon Epoxy Two-stage parallel
RTD, Grenoble, France

were found to negatively affect the adhesion of luting
agents, by altering dentine structure or interfering with
resin polymerization.4,26 When preparing the post
space, part of the dentine possibly altered by canal
irrigants, medicaments, and sealers is obviously
removed. However, rotary instruments, acting under
the far from ideal irrigation possible inside the root
canal, produce a thick secondary smear layer, includ-
ing remnants of plasticized gutta-percha and sealer.
Such contaminants hinder chemical interaction and
penetration of the luting agent. Therefore, in order to
enhance post retention, a careful debridement of the
post space walls should be performed prior to cemen-
tation.26 The use of ultrasonic instrumentation in
association with EDTA has been suggested for this
purpose.27
As far as the utilization of eugenol-containing root
canal sealers is concerned, the clinical indication
emerging from several laboratory studies is to refrain
from proceeding with post luting immediately after root
canal obturation. Residues of unset sealer might indeed
be displaced from the apical portion of the canal by

(a) (b)

Fig 1. (a) Low magnication scanning electron microscope image of the cross-section of a bre post (x30). (b) A higher magnication of the same
section shows diameter and density of reinforcing bres embedded into the resin matrix (x1550; bar = 10 lm). (From: Ferrari M with Breschi L and
Grandini S. Fiber posts and endodontically treated teeth: a compendium of scientic and clinical perspectives. Wendywood: Modern Dentistry
Media 2008, modied.)
2011 Australian Dental Association 79
C Goracci and M Ferrari
(a) (b) (c)
Fig 2. Marketed bre posts exhibit various shapes and may differ
largely in translucency. (a) Tapered with retentive coronal head. (b)
Double tapered. (c) Serrated.
paper points or microbrushes, and be spread over the
post space walls, then interfering with cement poly-
merization.28 Kurtz et al. verified that the eugenol-
based sealer had no significant influence on post
retention when adhesive cementation was performed
one week after root filling.29
With regard to luting agents, the current evidence
indicates that the most reliable results in fibre post
cementation are obtained by etch-and-rinse adhesives in
combination with dual-cure resin cements.4,26 It
should, however, be pointed out that the achievement
of a valid bond depends on the accuracy of each step in
the adhesive handling procedure, that may become
quite complex with three-step bonding systems. The
limited access to the post space represents an additional
complication. In this regard it is worth mentioning that,
based on the outcome of bond strength tests and
microscopic observations, the use of paper points in
post space drying and microbrushes in adhesive appli-
cation is advisable.30,31
With the intention to simplify the handling, the use of
simplified adhesives has been proposed. However,
(a)
Fig 3. (a) The ultrasonic tip for post space preparation in ovoid canals and the oval posts indicated for such canals. (b) Scanning electron microscope
image of the cross-section of an oval post (x40, bar 500 lm). (From: Ferrari M with Breschi L and Grandini S. Fiber posts and endodontically
treated teeth: a compendium of scientic and clinical perspectives. Wendywood: Modern Dentistry Media 2008, modied.)
80
when utilizing etch-and-rinse two-step and single-step
self-etch adhesives, their incompatibility with self-cure
and dual-cure cements must be taken into consider-
ation, and the application of a co-initiator of chemical
polymerization should be ensured.32 The same trend
toward simplification has led to the introduction of self-
adhesive resin cements. These newer systems that do
not contain a separate bonding agent have been readily
accepted as alternative, easy-to-use materials for fibre
post luting. However, self-adhesive cements, that rely
on acidic monomers for simultaneous substrate demin-
eralization and infiltration, achieve bond strengths to
dentine inferior to those of etch-and-rinse luting agents.
Both at coronal and intraradicular level, self-adhesive
resin cements demonstrated a limited potential to
demineralize and penetrate beyond the smear layer,
and established a rather superficial interaction with
dentine.3335 A clinically relevant issue, still under
verification for self-adhesive resin cements, is the
durability of their bond to tooth substrates. Bitter
et al. reported only an incremental increase in the
retentive strength of dowels luted with a self-adhesive
resin cement after ageing of post-retained restorations
through thermocycling.36 Conversely, Mazzoni et al.
found a significant reduction in retention and an
increase in interfacial nanoleakage for posts luted with
two self-adhesive cements after 40 000 thermal cycles.37
No significant change in retention and seal was observed
for the etch-and-rinse luting agent tested as a control.
Mazzitelli et al. reported that thermocycling did not
affect the post retentive strength of two self-adhesive
resin cements, while it increased the bond strength of
another luting agent of the same category.38 To sustain
the concern about bond stability is the consideration that
if self-adhesive resin cements do not completely shift to
neutrality and hydrophobicity with curing, they would
remain potentially exposed to hydrolytic degradation
phenomena that, with time, could compromise their
retentive and sealing ability. In order to clarify these
aspects, long-term clinical investigations are desirable.
Such evidence is in fact still largely missing, as self-
adhesive resin cements have only been recently intro-
duced into the market.34,35
(b)
2011 Australian Dental Association

Concerning the curing mode of the cement, the use of
light-cure materials is not advised in post luting, due to
the difficulty in getting the light to fully penetrate the
post space.39 It was recently demonstrated that even in
the presence of translucent posts (Fig 2), the amount of
light reaching the apical third of the dowel space may
not be sufficient to effectively cure the cement at that
level.40 In the same investigation it was demonstrated
that light transmission was not only prevented in
carbon fibre posts, but also significantly reduced in
glass fibre posts marketed as being translucent, to the
point that resin cement curing would be affected.40 The
disclosed variability in optical properties of the dowels
should therefore be taken into due consideration. In
such a scenario, dual-cure materials provide the most
reliable option for achieving proper cement polymeri-
zation all along the dowel space.4,40 Although purport-
edly able to polymerize even in the complete absence of
light, dual-curing resins develop better mechanical
properties if light-irradiated. Therefore, light-curing
has been suggested also with dual-cure cements.41,42
Nevertheless, the auto-cure mode would be advan-
tageous for the purpose of curing stress relief. It should
indeed be considered that the C-factor of a thin resin
cement film polymerizing within the boundaries of the
post space is adverse to stress dissipation. The cement
curing stress is also affected by filler load. To gain a
deeper insight into the current, market-driven trend
toward the use of highly-filled resin composites also
suitable for core build-up, a recent research paper
assessed contraction stress, post push-out strength and
interfacial nanoleakage expressed by experimental
resins with different filler loads (10, 30, 50, 70
wt%).43 The resins with greater filler content exhibited
higher contraction stress, lower bond strength and
more defective interfaces. Owing to the lower elastic
modulus of the less filled resins, their curing resulted in
a lower stress to the just established adhesive bond and
seal. In consideration of the influence of filler load on
resin composites mechanical properties, clinical studies
are currently ongoing in order to verify whether low-
filled resins are adequate for the long-term clinical
service of post-retained restorations.
Zirconia posts
High flexural strength, high fracture toughness, chem-
ical stability, biocompatibility and favourable optical
properties are advantageous characteristics of zirconia
as a restorative material. However, when used for
endodontic posts, zirconia has revealed some major
limitations. In relation to its rigidity,3,44 zirconia posts
are more prone to cause root fractures than fibre
posts.44 Also, the surface of zirconia posts does not
bond to resin composite materials. Even more impor-
tantly, the zirconia post falls short of the requirement to
2011 Australian Dental Association
Post systems
be easily removable in case endodontic retreatment is
needed. It is in fact practically impossible to grind off a
luted zirconia post.1,3,44
Polyethylene fibres
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibres coated
with a dentine bonding agent are used to build-up
endodontic posts and cores.3,45,46 As the fibres adapt to
the root canal, canal enlargement is not required
according to the manufacturer.46 The woven fibres have
a modulus of elasticity similar to that of dentine, and are
claimed to create a dentine-post-core mono-block allow-
ing for a more favourable stress distribution along the
root.46 Only two clinical studies of polyethylene fibre
posts are available. In the clinical trial by Turker et al.,46
1 out of 42 dowels debonded over a three-year follow-up
period. During the same observation period, 1 out of 87
posts loosened in the prospective study by Ayna et al.46 It
should, however, be considered that in the latter
investigation only anterior teeth in patients aged between
8 and 12 years were considered.
Adhesion to fibre post surface
Research has also been directed at enhancing the
adhesion to post surface of the resin composite for
cementation or core build-up.48,49 Particularly in the
presence of a post with epoxy resin matrix, the
methacrylate-based resin of the cement or the abutment
interacts with a highly cross-linked polymer with
limited sites available for copolymerization. Chemical
reactions are alternatively possible between the resin
cement or core material and fibres exposed on the post
surface.31,48,49 Among the various treatments proposed
to improve adhesion to the fibre post surface, silaniza-
tion of quartz and glass fibre posts has been assessed in
several laboratory studies, without providing any
conclusive evidence.48,49 While some tests reported a
significant increment in cement bond strength following
fibre post silanization, according to other investigations
the procedure did not contribute any substantial clinical
benefit.31 Silane application would promote adhesion
by increasing the post surface wettability, as well as by
chemically bridging methacrylate groups of the resin
and hydroxyl groups of quartz and glass fibres.
Silanization is not effective on resin posts reinforced
by carbon fibres that do not present a sufficient number
of hydroxyl groups on their surface.30 Adhesive appli-
cation after post silanization does not significantly add
to the bond strength of a core material to a fibre post
with a methacrylate-based matrix.30 Among the chair-
side procedures, post surface pre-treatment with 10%
hydrogen peroxide for 20 minutes is a simple and
effective method to enhance the fibre post-resin com-
posite adhesion.48,49 By removing a superficial layer of
81
C Goracci and M Ferrari
epoxy resin, hydrogen peroxide exposes to silanization
a larger surface area of fibres, without damaging them.
Moreover, the spaces thus created between the fibres
offer additional sites for micromechanical retention of
the resin composite.48,49 Post-resin composite adhesion
is also promoted by tribochemical treatment of the post
surface. Such a procedure involves silicoating of the
substrate, followed by silanization, and can be per-
formed either in the laboratory (Rocatec system), or at
the chairside (Cojet system).50 Epoxy resin posts
industrially pre-treated with silicoating and silanization
have also been marketed. Relatively high bond
strengths of resin cements were measured on these
posts.50 Silicoating followed by silanization is the
surface pre-treatment recommended to increase the
bond strength of resin composites to zirconia posts.3,44
Post radiopacity
Fibre post composition has an influence on radiopacity.
Glass fibre posts exhibit lower radiodensity than quartz
fibre posts which in turn are more radiolucent than
carbon fibre posts. The latter posts are anyway less
radiopaque than metal or zirconia dowels.51 Low
radiodensity of polyethylene fibres may be a limitation
of these reinforcing materials.
CONCLUSIONS
The available laboratory and clinical evidence validates
the utilization of fibre posts as an alternative to metal
posts and preferably to other tooth-colored posts, such
as zirconia dowels, in post-retained restorations. Pres-
ervation of coronal dental tissue, the use of dowels with
elastic properties similar to dentine, and effective post
adhesion are the most critical factors for the successful
clinical performance of restored endodontically treated
teeth. While etch-and-rinse adhesives in combination
with dual-cure resin cements ensure reliable results in
fibre post cementation, the simplification allowed by
self-adhesive resin cements is attractive to clinicians.
Long-term clinical trials are expected to shed further
light on the durability of the bond established by these
easy-to-use luting agents.
REFERENCES
1. Schwartz RS, Robbins JW. Post placement and restoration of
endodontically treated teeth: a literature review. J Endod
2004;30:289301.
2. Theodosopoulou JN, Chochlidakis KM. A systematic review of
dowel (post) and core materials. J Prosthodont 2009;18:464472.
3. Baba NZ, Golden G, Goodacre CJ. Nonmetallic prefabricate
dowels: a review of compositions, properties, laboratory, and
clinical test results. J Prosthodont 2009;18:527536.
4. Dietschi D, Duc O, Krejci I, Sadan A. Biomechanical consider-
ations for the restoration of endodontically treated teeth: a sys-
82
tematic review of the literature. Part II (Evaluation of fatigue
behavior, interfaces, and in vivo studies). Quintessence Int
2008;39:117129.
5. Fernandes AS, Dessai GS. Factors affecting the fracture resistance
of post-core reconstructed teeth: a review. Int J Prosthodont
2001;14:355363.
6. Dietschi D, Duc O, Krejci I, Sadan A. Biomechanical considerations
for the restoration of endodontically treated teeth: a systematic
review of the literature. Part I. Composition and micro- and mac-
rostructure alterations. Quintessence Int 2007;38:733743.
7. Bolla M, Muller-Bolla M, Borg C, Lupi-Pegurier L, Laplanche O,
Leforestier E. Root canal posts for the restoration of root filled teeth.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 1:118.
8. Cagidiaco MC, Goracci C, Garcia-Godoy F, Ferrari M. Clinical
studies of fiber posts: a literature review. Int J Prosthodont
2008;21:328336.
9. Cagidiaco MC, Goracci C, Garcia-Godoy F, Ferrari M Clinical
trials of fiber posts: a literature review. In: Ferrari M with Breschi
L, Grandini S. Fiber posts and endodontically treated teeth: a
compendium of scientific and clinical perspectives. Wendywood:
Modern Dentistry Media, 2008:149163.
10. Ferrari M. Introduction. In: Ferrari M with Breschi L, Grandini S.
Fiber posts and endodontically treated teeth: a compendium of
scientific and clinical perspectives. Wendywood: Modern Den-
tistry Media, 2008:913.
11. Qualtrough AJ, Mannocci F. Tooth-colored post systems: a re-
view. Oper Dent 2003;28:8691.
12. Newman MP, Yaman P, Dennison J, Rafter M, Billy E. Fracture
resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with composite
posts. J Prosthet Dent 2003;89:360367.
13. Fokkinga WA, Kreulen CM, Vallittu PK, Creugers NH. A
structured analysis of in vitro failure loads and failure modes of
fiber, metal, and ceramic post-and-core systems. Int J Prosthodont
2004;17:476482.
14. Salameh Z. Mechanical behavior of endodontically treated teeth
restored with fiber posts and full coverage restorations. Siena:
University of Siena, 2008. PhD thesis.
15. Pierrisnard L, Bohin F, Renault P, Barquins M. Corono-radicular
reconstruction of pulpless teeth: a mechanical study using finite
element analysis. J Prosthet Dent 2002;88:442448.
16. Lanza A, Aversa R, Rengo S, Apicella D, Apicella A. A 3D FEA of
cemented steel, glass and carbon posts in a maxillary incisor.
Dent Mater 2005;21:709715.
17. al-Hazaimeh N, Gutteridge DL. An in vitro study into the effect
of the ferrule preparation on the fracture resistance of crowned
teeth incorporating prefabricated post and composite core resto-
rations. Int Endod J 2001;34:4046.
18. Naumann M, Preuss A, Frankenberger R. Reinforcement effect of
adhesively luted fiber reinforced composite versus titanium posts.
Dent Mater 2007;23:138144.
19. Frazer RQ, Kovarik RE, Chance KB, Mitchell RJ. Removal
time of fiber posts versus titanium posts. Am J Dent
2008;21:175178.
20. Gesi A, Magnolfi S, Goracci C, Ferrari M. Comparison of two
techniques for removing fiber posts. J Endod 2003;29:580582.
21. Vichi A, Ferrari M, Davidson CL. Influence of ceramic and ce-
ment thickness on the masking of various types of opaque posts. J
Prosthet Dent 2000;83:412417.
22. Grandini S, Goracci C, Monticelli F, Ferrari M. Fatigue
resistance and structural characteristics of fiber posts: three-
point bending test and SEM evaluation. Dent Mater
2005;21:7582.
23. Coniglio I, Garcia-Godoy F, Magni E, Carvalho CA, Ferrari M.
Resin cement thickness in oval-shaped canals: oval vs. circular
fiber posts in combination with different tips drills for post space
preparation. Am J Dent 2009;22:290294.
2011 Australian Dental Association

24. Coniglio I, Magni E, Cantoro A, Goracci C, Ferrari M. Push-out
bond strength of circular and oval shaped fiber posts. Clin Oral
Investig 2010 Jul 27 [Epub ahead of print].
25. Coniglio I, Carvalho C, Magni E, Ferrari M. Post space
debridement in oval-shaped canals: the use of a new ultrasonic tip
with oval section. J Endod 2008;34:752755.
26. Breschi L, Mazzoni A, Ferrari M. Adhesion to intra-radicular
dentin. In: Ferrari M with Breschi L, Grandini S. Fiber posts and
endodontically treated teeth: a compendium of scientific and
clinical perspectives. Wendywood: Modern Dentistry Media,
2008:1537.
27. Coniglio I, Magni E, Goracci C, et al. Post space cleaning using a
new nickel titanium endodontic drill combined with different
cleaning regimens. J Endod 2008;34:8386.
28. Vano M, Cury AH, Goracci C, et al. The effect of immediate
versus delayed cementation on the retention of different types of
fiber posts in canals obturated using a eugenol sealer. J Endod
2006;32:882885.
29. Kurtz JS, Perdigao J, Geraldeli S, Hodges JS, Bowles WR. Bond
strength of tooth-colored posts. Effect of sealer, dentin, adhesive,
and root region. Am J Dent 2003;3:1A6A.
30. Goracci C, Grandini S, Bossu` M, Bertelli E, Ferrari M. Labora-
tory assessment of the retentive potential of adhesive posts: a
review. J Dent 2007;35:827835.
31. Goracci C. Laboratory data and their clinical implications. In:
Ferrari M with Breschi L, Grandini S. Fiber posts and endodon-
tically treated teeth: a compendium of scientific and clinical
perspectives. Wendywood: Modern Dentistry Media, 2008.
32. Suh BI, Feng L, Pashley DH, Tay FR. Factors contributing to the
incompatibility between simplified-step adhesives and chemically-
cured or dual-cured composites. Part III. Effect of acidic resin
monomers. J Adhes Dent 2003;5:267282.
33. Monticelli F, Osorio R, Mazzitelli C, Ferrari M, Toledano M.
Limited decalcification diffusion of self-adhesive cements into
dentin. J Dent Res 2008;87:974979.
34. Radovic I, Monticelli F, Goracci C, Vulicevic ZR, Ferrari M. Self-
adhesive resin cements: a literature review. J Adhes Dent
2008;10:251258.
35. Radovic I, Vulicevic ZR. Self-adhesive cements. In: Ferrari M
with Breschi L, Grandini S. Fiber posts and endodontically trea-
ted teeth: a compendium of scientific and clinical perspectives.
Wendywood: Modern Dentistry Media, 2008:107119.
36. Bitter K, Meyer-Lueckel H, Priehn K, Kanjuparambil JP, Neu-
mann K, Kielbassa AM. Effects of luting agent and thermocycling
on bond strengths to root canal dentine. Int Endod J
2006;39:809818.
37. Mazzoni A, Marchesi G, Cadenaro M, et al. Push-out stress for
fibre posts luted using different adhesive strategies. Eur J Oral Sci
2009;117:447453.
38. Mazzitelli C, Monticelli C, Toledano M, Ferrari M, Osorio R.
Effect of thermocycling on the bond strength of self-adhesive
cements to fiber posts. Clin Oral Investig (in press).
39. Wu H, Hayash M, Okamurab K, et al. Effects of light penetration
and smear layer removal on adhesion of postcores to root canal
dentin by self-etching adhesives. Dent Mater 2009;25:1484
1492.
2011 Australian Dental Association
Post systems
40. Goracci C, Corciolani G, Vichi A, Ferrari M. Light-transmitting
ability of marketed fiber posts. J Dent Res 2008;12:11221126.
41. Caughman WF, Chan DCN, Rueggerberg FA. Curing potential of
dual-polymerizable resin cements in simulated clinical situations.
J Prosthet Dent 2001;85:479484.
42. Kumbuloglu O, Lassila LV, User A, Vallittu PK. A study of the
physical and chemical properties of four resin composites luting
cements. Int J Prosthodont 2004;17:357363.
43. Ferrari M, Carvalho CA, Goracci C, et al. Influence of luting
material filler content on post cementation. J Dent Res
2009;88:951956.
44. Ozkurt Z, Is eri U, Kazazoglu E. Zirconia ceramic post systems: a
literature review and a case report. Dent Mater J 2010;29:233
245.
45. Belli S, Eskitas cioglu G. Biomechanical properties and clinical use
of a polyethylene fiber post-core material. In: Ferrari M with
Breschi L, Grandini S. Fiber posts and endodontically treated
teeth: a compendium of scientific and clinical perspectives.
Wendywood: Modern Dentistry Media, 2008:3949.
46. Ayna B, Celenk S, Atakul F, Uysal E. Three-year clinical evalu-
ation of endodontically treated anterior teeth restored with a
polyethylene fibre-reinforced composite. Aust Dent J
2009;54:136140.
47. Turker SB, Alkumru HN, Evren B. Prospective clinical trial of
polyethelene fiber ribbon-reinforced, resin composite post-core
build-up restorations. Int J Prosthodont 2007;20:5556.
48. Monticelli F, Osorio R, Sadek FT, Radovic I, Toledano M, Fer-
rari M. Surface treatments for improving bond strength to pre-
fabricated fiber posts: a literature review. Oper Dent
2008;33:346355.
49. Monticelli F, Toledano M, Osorio R. The application of super-
ficial treatment to improve bond strength to fiber posts. In: Ferrari
M with Breschi L, Grandini S. Fiber posts and endodontically
treated teeth: a compendium of scientific and clinical perspectives.
Wendywood: Modern Dentistry Media, 2008:8593.
50. Radovic I, Monticelli F, Cury AH, Bertelli E, Vulicevic ZR,
Ferrari M. Coupling of composite resin cements to quartz fiber
post: a comparison of industrial and chair-side treatments of the
post surface. J Adhes Dent 2008;10:5766.
51. Soares CJ, Mitsui FH, Neto FH, Marchi GM, Martins LR. Ra-
diodensity evaluation of seven root post systems. Am J Dent
2005;18:5760.
Address for correspondence:
Dr Cecilia Goracci
Department of Dental Materials and Fixed
Prosthodontics
University of Siena
Policlinico Le Scotte
viale Bracci
Siena 53100
Italy
Email: cecilia.goracci@gmail.com
83