title: Surface roughness analysis of fiber post conditioning processes.
abstract: The chemo-mechanical surface treatment of fiber posts increases their bonding properties. The combined use of atomic force and confocal microscopy allows for the assessment and quantification of the changes on surface roughness that justify this behavior. Quartz fiber posts were conditioned with different chemicals, as well as by sandblasting, and by an industrial silicate/silane coating. We analyzed post surfaces by atomic force microscopy, recording average roughness (R(a)) measurements of fibers and resin matrix. A confocal image profiler allowed for the quantitative assessment of the average superficial roughness (R(a)). Hydrofluoric acid, potassium permanganate, sodium ethoxide, and sandblasting increased post surface roughness. Modifications of the epoxy resin matrix occurred after the surface pre-treatments. Hydrofluoric acid affected the superficial texture of quartz fibers. Surface-conditioning procedures that selectively react with the epoxy-resin matrix of the fiber post enhance roughness and improve the surface area available for adhesion by creating micro-retentive spaces without affecting the post's inner structure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Materials and Restorative Dentistry, Policlinico Le Scotte, University of Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mazzitelli
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ferrari
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Toledano
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Osorio
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Monticelli
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Osorio
mesh_terms: D000134:Acid Etching, Dental; D000537:Aluminum Oxide / Q000737:chemistry; D045662:Dental Etching / Q000379:methods; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D004853:Epoxy Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D006858:Hydrofluoric Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000737:chemistry; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008422:Materials Testing; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D016877:Oxidants / Q000737:chemistry; D011176:Post and Core Technique / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011196:Potassium Permanganate / Q000737:chemistry; D011791:Quartz / Q000737:chemistry*; D012821:Silanes / Q000737:chemistry; D017640:Silicates / Q000737:chemistry; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D003764:Dental Materials; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D016877:Oxidants; D012821:Silanes; D017640:Silicates; D012997:Solvents; D011196:Potassium Permanganate; C098088:sodium ethoxide; D011791:Quartz; D000431:Ethanol; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D000537:Aluminum Oxide; D006858:Hydrofluoric Acid