Quantitative Analysis of Defects at the Dentin-Post Space in Endodontically Treated Teeth

The objective of this study was to assess frequency and extension of the defectsaffecting the dentin-post interface after using different combinations of irrigants andsealers. The experimental work was conducted on single-rooted teeth extracted fororthodontic reasons. The specimens were divided into different groups, according toirrigant and endodontic cement utilized, and endodontically instrumented. After fiberglassposts cementation, cross sections were obtained at apical, middle and coronal level of theroot and submitted to quantitative analyses. Different types of defects were found: bubbles,bonding defects, polymerization defect, and cement residues. The percent extension ofeach defect and its frequency were related to the specific irrigant/sealer combination and tothe root level. Detachments of the material from dentin were found only at apical andmiddle levels. Chlorhexidine digluconate seems to have more beneficial effects if compared to sodium hypochlorite: samples prepared with chlorhexidine digluconateshowed a higher performance, with roots including null to few defects. In detail, samplestreated with chlorhexidine digluconate and Pulp Canal Sealer showed the lowest frequencyand the smallest dimension of defects.