29115 883 896 - reality publishing company · ©2005 reality publishing co. vol. 19 the ratings 885...

Metal-Free1. D.T. Light-Post

Bisco

2. ParaPost Fiber WhiteColtene/Whaledent

3. Achromat/Achromat HPAxis

4. Twin Luscent AnchorsDentatus

5. FibreKor Post Pentron

Metal1. ParaPost XH/XP/XT

Coltene/Whaledent

2a. Flexi-FlangeEDS

2b. Integra-PostPremier

REALITY’S CHOICESPosts

©2005 REALITY Publishing Co. Vol. 19 The Ratings 883

Posts

©2005 REALITY Publishing Co. Vol. 19884 The Ratings

Metal-Free Kit Composition Shade Sizes

Metal Kit Composition Active or Passive Sizes

Refills

Cost/post Light Transmission

Refills

Cost/post

ParaPost Fiber White

Coltene/Whaledent$16.16 $9.84

Fiber-ReinforcedResin

WhiteTranslucent

4

ParaPost XH

Flexi-FlangeEDS

$12.24

$15.11–$15.63

$8.85

$12.43–$12.95

Stainless Steel or Titanium

Stainless Steel or Titanium

Passive

Active

7

4

Integra-PostPremier $14.36 $8.62 Titanium Passive 5

ParaPost XP $10.97 $8.23Stainless Steel or Titanium

Passive 7

ParaPost XT

Coltene/Whaledent

$13.40 $10.42 Titanium Active 6

D.T. Light-PostBisco $16.75 $11.00

Quartz Fibers inEpoxy Matrix Translucent 3

Level ofRadiopacity

Moderate

Moderate

LightTransmission

(mW/cm2)

0.0

Achromat

Achromat HP

Axis

$11.00

$15.33

$9.99

$9.99


WhiteTranslucent

3 Moderate 0.0

Twin Luscent AnchorsDentatus

$11.67 $9.00 Fiber-ReinforcedResin

Translucent 3 None 11.9

FibreKor Post Pentron $5.17 $5.00


WhiteTranslucent

5 Moderate 0.0

9.1

Photo


Posts

There is a wide range of techniques available for restoringendodontically-treated teeth. While some of these techniques arebased on research and/or many years of clinical experience, thereare also quite a few myths that need to be, once and for all, put tosleep.

Myths One common myth is that endodontically-treated teeth are morebrittle and, therefore, are fracture-prone. This particular myth isthe reason many pulpless teeth are restored with full coverage.Presumably, the full coverage restoration will strengthen the toothand keep it from fracturing.

However, this fracture propensity of endodontically-treatedteeth due to brittleness has never been proven. A much more like-ly explanation is that many endodontically-treated teeth have beendecimated by caries or fracture, leaving very little sound toothstructure remaining. Lack of strong, intact tooth structure is themore plausible reason for the fracture of endodontically-treatedteeth.

Another myth surrounding endodontically-treated teeth is thatposts are needed to somehow reinforce the root. But posts do notstrengthen roots and, in fact, their only purpose is to help retain acoronal buildup. This means posts are only necessary when thereis insufficient remaining coronal tooth structure to support abuildup by itself. The typical clinical situation where this scenariooccurs is when only the root remains but all the coronal toothstructure is missing.

Types of PostsCast Gold Still viewed with much reverence by traditionalists.But, due to the added costs of an impression or time spent fabri-cating a replica, a lab fee, and two appointments, this procedureseems to have lost advocates over the years. While there is certain-ly nothing inherently wrong with cast posts and cores, the conceptitself is viewed as very impractical by many dentists.

Stock Metal Available in numerous designs, most of which arecomposed of either stainless steel or titanium. Typically are accom-panied by drills designed to prepare matched postholes. Eventhough metal posts have a track record, they have been implicat-ed in, among other nefarious acts, contributing to the darker colorof the soft tissue covering the roots of endodontically-treatedteeth. This is presumably due to the shadowing they transmitthrough the roots. Metal posts can be placed either passively oractively by being screwed into a self-tapped posthole. Active place-ment has the best retention, but there is the ever-present risk offracturing the root during the placement procedure.

Direct, Fiber-Reinforced, Composite Post and Core Developedby Editorial Team Member Dr. David Hornbrook, this techniqueuses a fiber such as Ribbond. Please see The Techniques,Volume 1 for the step-by-step procedure. While it is certainly acreative procedure that precludes the necessity of keeping a supplyof stock posts on hand, some dentists still prefer to use a prefabri-cated post rather than fashion one themselves.

Stock Metal-Free Typically used when esthetics is critical. Unlikethe stock metal posts, those in this category are similar to eachother in form, in that they typically do not have any type of spe-cific head to enhance the retention and possibly the strength of thecore to be built on them. Most are also a fiber-reinforced resin ofsome kind that promises to flex with the tooth to reduce root frac-tures.

While this may be true, it is a difficult theory to prove. Severalevaluators questioned whether these more flexible posts are strongenough when there is virtually no coronal tooth structure remain-ing and the post is necessary to retain a complete coronal core.Nevertheless, several evaluators have reported their incidence ofroot fractures has declined after switching to a more flexible postsystem.

Light TransmissionThere is an increasing trend to cure the cement “through thepost”, especially when it comes to the truly translucent ones. Totest this transmission, we applied silane to all of the posts and thenplaced them on a radiometer so that their apical end completelycovered the radiometer’s 1.0mm aperture. We then illuminatedeach post with the Optilux 501 using the 2mm tip, which fit onthe coronal ends of most of the posts very closely. The radiometervalues can be found in each product’s commentary. However,since all the readings were low, we still don’t know if you can real-ly adequately light-cure a light-cured cement through the post.Your safest bet may still be a self-cure cement or a dual-cure withsubstantial self-cure properties.

Bond StrengthThere is also the question of bond strength to the new posts.While metal posts usually combine micromechanical retention byway of sandblasting plus macromechanical with various types ofundercuts and/or actual channels through the post and head toenhance retention of resins, metal-free versions usually dependprimarily on micromechanical retention. It still remains to be seenwhether this type of adhesion will be long-lasting.

Description Fiber-reinforced post. Have unidirectional, pretensed quartz fibersin an epoxy matrix using a slightly modified resin that wets thefibers, creating the translucent appearance. The D.T. design,which stands for double-taper, features a subtle taper. Pre-shapingdrill is similar to a Peeso reamer. It determines the final depth,while finishing drills shape the canal for the post.

Color Translucent.

Light Transmission (mW/cm2)9.1

Radiopacity

Sizes and Color-Coding ThreeSmall apical end = 0.8mm White

coronal end = 1.4mmMedium apical end = 0.9mm Yellow

coronal end = 1.7mmLarge apical end = 1.2mm Blue

coronal end = 2.1mm

Cementation After removing the gutta percha with the preshaping drill, enlargeit with one of the other drills matched to the posts. Clean the postas you would an indirect restoration and apply One-Step Plus,lightly air-dry, and light-cure. Etch, wash, and apply One-StepPlus in the posthole and remove excess with paper point. InjectDuo-Link cement into the posthole and seat the post into thecement, followed by light-curing. Then build up the core as usual.

Packaging Cardboard box with two separate white removable plastic trayssecuring the contents. The posts and drills are secured in individ-ual clear plastic vials. The only color-coding is the rings on thedrills. Color-coding on the posts would be helpful. Box is nicely

Posts


Metal-Free

D.T. Light PostBisco(4.5) www.bisco.com

Strongest in recent studyDoes not need cement for radiopacity

No extra retention on head for coreNo color-coding on posts

REALITY’SC H O I C E S1

System PackageCost: $335.00 ($16.75/post)• 10 #1posts• 6 #2 posts• 4 #3 posts• 1 pre-shaping D.T. drill• 3 size-specific D.T. drills• 1 btl of One-Step Plus (6ml)• 1 btl of Uni-Etch (1.5g)• 1 dual-barrel syringe of

Duo-Link (8g)• 20 mixing tips• Accessories

RefillsCost: $110.00 ($11.00/post)Includes: 10 posts

http://www.bisco.com

Description Parallel-sided, unidirectional, fiber-reinforced resin posts. With42% glass fiber, 29% resin and 29% filler, they have serration-likeindentations along the entire length of the post. There is a double-head design, both round and separated by a short neck. The lowerhead is flat on one side for anti-rotational stability. Have color-coded rubber bands in the neck that are removed prior to use. Thiscolor-coding is coordinated with the drills, which are also conve-niently marked with not-very-visible black rings at 7, 9, and11mm from the apical ends. The hand driver is used with thedrills if you prefer to use them manually, rather than using thedrills in a handpiece.

Color White translucent (frost white).


Radiopacity

Sizes and Color-CodingFourSmall 1.14mm BlueMedium 1.25mm RedLarge 1.40mm PurpleExtra-Large 1.50mm Black

Cementation After removing the gutta percha with an instrument of yourchoice, use the size-appropriate twist drill to prepare the posthole,seat the post matching the drill size and cut off the excess with acarborundum separating disc under water spray. Remove color-coded rubber band, then clean the post as you would an indirectrestoration and apply an adhesive. Etch, wash, and apply adhesivein the posthole. Inject dual-cure or self-cure resin cement into theposthole, seat the post into the cement, and light-cure if dual-curecement is used. Then build up the core as usual.

Posts


Cost: $161.59/10 ($16.16/post)Includes:• 3 posts (size 4.5)• 3 posts (size 5)• 2 posts (size 5.5)• 2 posts (size 6)• 4 drills (one in each size)• 1 Universal Hand Driver

RefillsCost: $49.21 ($9.84/post)Includes: 5 posts

ParaPost Fiber WhiteColtene/Whaledent(4.1)

Double-head design may enhance retention of core Great organized kit with color-coding

Why separating disc to cut — won’t a diamondwork?No light transmission

2

organized, but somewhat large to accommodate all the extras. Theetchant is in a bottle rather than a syringe. Actually, a liquid etchfor postholes makes even more sense.

Directions Plain paper foldout with a few illustrations for placement.Information is clear and straightforward. There is also a limited,

six-year warranty, where Bisco will provide a new post and reim-burse the dentist’s fee for a new restoration, including whateverneeds to go over the tooth (crown, bridge, etc.) The warranty reg-istration forms are supposed to be included with the product,although our samples did not have them.

Packaging Plastic box hinged on the left so it opens like a book. Posts anddrills sit in recesses in a gray plastic tray that is nicely color-coded,but the posts are not secured in any way, other than a clear, remov-able plastic cover. If the kit is jostled and the cover is not in place,the posts will most likely end up on the floor. There is also a clearplastic, calibrated card for measuring lengths.

DirectionsSmall plain paper booklet, 12 languages. Instructions are clear andeasy-to-follow, but advise cleaning post with alcohol — we preferphosphoric acid. Also gives good hints for removing a bonded postif necessary.

Posts


Description Parallel-sided, fiber-reinforced resin posts with fibers occupying65% of the volume for strength. They have serration-like inden-tations along the entire length of the post along with a narrowvent slot for cement. The HP version has tapered, three-tieredhead to help retain the core material as well as minimize or elimi-nate rotational forces, since it seats into a prepared root face. Theconventional version is a straight post.

Color White translucent.


Radiopacity

Achromat Achromat HP

Achromat HPAchromat

Achromat/Achromat HPAxiswww.axisdental.com

(4.0)

Head aids in retaining coreHigher % of fibers

Poor light transmissionNo color-coding on posts

3NEW Achromat HP

Cost: $229.95/15 ($15.33/post) Includes: • 5 small posts • 5 medium posts• 5 large posts• 1 small drill • 1 medium drill • 1 large drill • 1 small root facer • 1 medium root facer • 1 large root facer

RefillsCost: $49.95 ($9.99/post) Includes: • 5 posts

Achromat Cost: $109.95/10 ($11.00/post) Includes: • 5 medium posts• 5 large posts• 1 medium drill • 1 large drill

Refills: Cost: $49.95 ($9.99/post) Includes: 5 posts

http://www.axisdental.com

Sizes and Color-Coding Three (regular version only available in medium and large)Small 1.12mm RedMedium 1.31mm BlueLarge 1.55mm Green

Cementation After removing the gutta percha with an instrument of yourchoice, use the size-appropriate twist drill to prepare the posthole.With HP, you would then prepare the root face with the appro-priately sized NTI Root Facer. Cut off the excess with a diamonddisc. Then clean the post as you would an indirect restoration andapply an adhesive. Etch, wash, and apply adhesive in the posthole.Inject dual-cure or self-cure resin cement into the posthole, seatthe post into the cement, and light-cure if dual-cure cement isused. Then build up the core as usual.

Packaging Black plastic box with rear-hinged lid. Contents secured in recess-es in a removable gray plastic tray. The color-coding extends fromrings on the drills and root facers to the caps on the small plasticcontainers housing the posts, but not on the posts themselves.There is also a clear plastic x-ray length guide.

Directions Plain paper sheets, very basic, no photos or illustrations, but easyto follow. Cautions user against using sodium hypochlorite orhydrogen peroxide in the prepared canal as they may alter thepolymerization of the resin cements. Also wisely recommends self-cure or dual-cure cement.

Posts


Description Tapered, light-transmitting, fiberglass-reinforced resin posts witha unique groove that starts near the apical end, stops around mid-post, and then starts again. This causes the post to have anhour-glass-like profile, with subtle bulges in the apical and coro-nal sections and a narrow area midpost. The presumed advantagesover the standard Luscent are better retention due to resin cementphysically locking into these grooves, venting for the cement, andpreventing rotational movement. Come with color-coded, endo-stopper-like sleeves that are used to indicate where the post shouldbe sectioned prior to bonding. The latch-type reamers are alsotapered, but other than their tips, are square in cross-section. TheProbos II router is essentially a reamer with a “wavy” side to cre-ate mechanical retention. The Pathfinder is a Gates-Glidden. Thecore forms are white flexible plastic, are contoured on their endsto fit normal gingival architecture, and are open on both ends.

Color Translucent.


Twin Luscent AnchorsDentatus

www.dentatus.com(3.8)

Hour-glass design may assist retention and resistrotationBest light transmission

Too large for small rootsDo you need the router?

4Cost: $175.00/15 ($11.67/post) Includes: • 5 small posts • 5 medium posts • 5 large posts • 1 small reamer • 1 medium reamer • 1 large reamer • 1 Probos II router • 1 Pathfinder • 12 core forms

Refills: Cost: $135.00 ($9.00/post) Includes: • 15 posts

http://www.dentatus.com

Posts


Radiopacity

Sizes and Color-CodingThree Small apical bulge = 1.3mm Yellow

midpost = 1.0mmcoronal bulge = 1.3mm

Medium apical bulge = 1.5mm Redmidpost = 1.2mmcoronal bulge = 1.5mm

Large apical bulge = 1.6mm Bluemidpost = 1.4mmcoronal bulge = 1.6mm

Cementation After removing the gutta percha with the Pathfinder and option-ally notching the posthole with the Probos II router for additionalmechanical retention, seat the post matching the reamer size,adjust the color-coded sleeve to indicate where the post should besectioned, and cut off the excess with a diamond under waterspray. Clean the post as you would an indirect restoration andapply an adhesive. Etch, wash, and apply adhesive in the posthole.Inject dual-cure or self-cure resin cement into the posthole, seatthe post into the cement, and light cure (if the cement is dual-cure) through the post. Then build up the core as usual.

Packaging Clear small plastic box with rear-hinged lid. Contents secured inrecesses in a removable yellow plastic tray. There is a sliding plas-tic bar that further secures the contents from falling outaccidentally. Although we don’t want small items like the reamersto fall out of kits, these are so tight that even grabbing them withcotton pliers is difficult. Since the core forms are not sized, select-ing one is mainly trial and error. Retention is poor on shortclinical crowns. Even though it’s not difficult to surmise whichinstrument is the Probos II router, it would have been better tohave labels or at least photos identifying the instruments.

Directions Small plain paper sheet, eight languages. Actually states that theyare “Installation Procedures”, which sounds more like plumbingthan a service rendered in a dental office. Recommends that thepost should be wiped off with alcohol before bonding. We believeit is better to apply phosphoric acid as a cleaner rather than alco-hol, just as you would to an indirect restoration prior to bonding.

There is also a “quick guide”, which is a small color foldoutwith several illustrations that demonstrate the steps with goodtechnique hints. However, the instrument identified as the ProbosI in the photo is actually called Pathfinder in the paper directions.

In addition, all the preparation of the post for cementation isshown with the color-coded rubber stopper in place. It is not sup-posed to be removed until after the post is seated in the postholefilled with cement, but before light-curing. While leaving thestopper in place helps to ensure you have seated the post proper-ly, it interferes with adhesive procedures, since it restricts cleaningand applying adhesive to that portion of the posthead. We suggestremoving the stopper before beginning the adhesive procedures.

Now also comes with an instructional CD, but most of it justtells you about the advantages of these posts. Since the slides wereon a timer and there was no option to skip these largely market-ing slides. The one clinical technical shown features a maxillarylateral incisor that still has a substantial portion of the clinicalcrown remaining after endodontics. Even though the procedureand subsequent crown were done extremely well, it is questionablewhether this tooth even needed a crown, but placing a post of anykind appeared to be overkill.


Description Parallel-sided, fiber-reinforced resin posts. Glass fibers is 42%,filler is 29%, and resin is 29%, all by weight. Small size is smooth,while medium and large sizes have serration-like indentationsalong the entire length of the post. The latch-type reamers areslightly larger than the matching posts, allowing for passive fit.

Color White translucent.


Sizes and Color Code Five (Three in kit): 1.0mm Red1.125mm Lavender. Did not receive for re-evaluation.

Not in kit.1.2mm Yellow.1.375mm Green. Not in kit.1.5mm Blue.

Cementation After removing the gutta percha with the size-appropriate reamer,seat the post matching the reamer size and cut off the excess witha diamond under water spray. Clean the post as you would anindirect restoration and apply an adhesive. Etch, wash, and applyadhesive in the posthole. Inject self-cure or dual-cure resin cementinto the posthole, seat the post into the cement, and light cure (ifdual-cure cement is used) through the post. Then build-up thecore as usual.

Packaging Cardboard box with slide-off sleeve. Inside is a white removableplastic tray securing the contents with a clear plastic top, whichincorporates a millimeter measure for the post length. The poststhemselves are secured in individual clear plastic vials with capscolor-coded to the size of the post. The reamers are in individualrecesses in the white plastic tray. Both the reamers themselves andthe tray are color-coded to the specific color of the correspondingpost.

Directions Plain paper in 12 languages in annoying fold-out design.Information, however, is clear, even though it is very brief. Thereis also an additional coated paper sheet with “helpful hints” andinstructions.

FiberKor PostPentron

www.pentron.com (3.7)

Least expensive by farMost sizes

Poor light transmissionParallel design may require more tooth removal

5Cost: $154.95 ($5.17/post) Includes: • 10 small posts • 10 medium posts • 10 large posts • 1 small reamer • 1 medium reamer • 1 large reamer • 1 post holder • 1 bag of endo stoppers

RefillsCost: $49.95 ($5.00/post) Includes: 10 posts

Posts

ENCORE

Radiopacity

http://www.pentron.com

Description XH Parallel-sided, stainless steel or titanium passive posts with aknurled pattern on the post itself and slots on the head for extraretention. The hand driver is a plastic wrench-like device that goesonto the end of a twist drill, should you want to hand instrumentthe posthole rather than use it in a contra-angle handpiece.

XP Parallel-sided, stainless steel or titanium passive posts with aknurled pattern on the post itself, with the head being merely aflattened area for holding the post. The hand driver is a plasticwrench-like device that goes onto the end of a twist drill, shouldyou want to hand instrument the posthole rather than use it in acontra-angle handpiece.

XT Parallel-sided, titanium threaded posts with a knurled patternon the post itself in the apical half and threads for active retentionin the coronal half. There are also slots on the head for extra reten-tion. The hand driver is a plastic wrench-like device that goes ontothe end of a twist drill, should you want to hand instrument theposthole rather than use it in a contra-angle handpiece. There arealso two hand wrenches for threading the posts manually into thecanals.

Sizes and Color-CodingSeven#3 0.9mm Brown#4 1.0mm Yellow#4.5 1.14mm Blue#5 1.25mm Red#5.5 1.4mm Purple#6 1.5mm Black#7 1.75mm Green (Not available w/ XT)

Cementation XH/XP After removing the gutta percha with the size-appropriateGates-Glidden, refine the posthole with a twist drill, followed bya diamond for an anti-rotational box or slot. Trial insert the post,then remove the post, and prepare it and the posthole for bond-ing. Sandblast and clean the post as you would an indirectrestoration and apply an adhesive. Etch, wash, and apply adhesivein the posthole. Inject self-cure resin cement into the posthole andinsert the post into the cement. Then build up the core as usual.

XT After removing the gutta percha with the size-appropriateGates-Glidden, refine the posthole with a twist drill. Cut the api-cal end of the post to match your working length and thread itinto the posthole. When you encounter resistance, unscrew thepost, clean the dentin debris in the treads, and screw it again into

Posts


Metal

ParaPost XH, XP, and XTColtene/Whaledent (4.1)

Introductory Kit-XHCost: $305.94/25 ($12.24/post)Includes: • 4 posts (#3)• 5 posts (#4)• 5 posts (#4.5)• 5 posts (#5)• 2 posts (#5.5)• 2 posts (#6)• 2 posts (#7)• 7 drills• 1 hand driver

RefillsCost: $88.49 ($8.85/posts)Includes: 10 posts

Introductory Kit-XPCost: $274.22/25 ($10.97/post)

Includes: • 3 posts (#3)• 5 posts (#4)• 4 posts (#4.5)• 5 posts (#5)• 3 posts (#5.5)• 3 posts (#6)• 2 posts (#7)• 7 drills• 1 hand driver


Introductory Kit-XTCost: $334.97/25 ($13.40/post)

Includes: • 3 posts (#3)• 5 posts (#4)• 5 posts (#4.5)• 5 posts (#5)• 4 posts (#5.5)• 3 posts (#6)• 6 drills• 1 hand driver• 2 metal wrenches


Active or passiveDiamond retention pattern

Parallel sides may require more tooth removalNo info on sandblasting to increase retention

1NEW

the posthole until it is fully seated. Then remove the post, and pre-pare it and the posthole for bonding. Sandblast and clean the postas you would an indirect restoration and apply an adhesive. Etch,wash, and apply adhesive in the posthole. Inject self-cure resincement into the posthole and insert the post into the cement,threading it to secure its active retention. Then build up the coreas usual.

Packaging Each kit comes in a gray plastic box with a left-hinged plastic topso that the kit opens like a book. There are recesses for all the com-

ponents, making the kit very organized. The drills and posts arecolor-coded in the XH and XT kits, while in the XP kit, only thedrills are color-coded.

Directions Plain paper booklet in 12 languages for XH and XT, while XP hasa smaller booklet in one language. Easy to understand and follow,augmented with numerous line drawings.

Posts


Description Unique, parallel-sided, stainless steel or titanium threaded postswith a tapered end that has a split in it to redirect stresses into thepost, not the root. Head is serrated for maximum retention of corebuild-up material. There is also a circular flange in the middle ofeach post, which is designed to engage the root face of a toothwith minimal or no coronal tooth structure remaining. The ream-ers look like conventional twist drills, while the countersink drillscut a small recess into the root face into which the post sits. Thelatch-type reamers are slightly smaller than the matching posts,allowing for the threading action.

Sizes and Color-CodingFour Small (#0) apical end = 1.0mm Yellow

coronal end = 1.2mmMedium (#1) apical end = 1.3mm Red

coronal end = 1.6mmLarge (#2) apical end = 1.5mm Blue

coronal end = 2.0mmExtra large (#3) apical end = 1.8mm Green

coronal end = 2.3mm

Cementation After removing the gutta percha with the size-appropriate Gates-Glidden, refine the posthole with a reamer, followed by thecountersink drill. Trial insert the post, which must seat entirelyinto the countersunk recess. Remove the post and prepare it andthe posthole for bonding. Clean the post as you would an indirectrestoration and apply an adhesive. Etch, wash, and apply adhesivein the posthole. Inject self-cure resin cement into the posthole andscrew the post into the cement. Then build up the core as usual.

Packaging White plastic box with a clear, rear-hinged plastic top. Titaniumhas a bluish-gray insert, while the insert is blue for stainless steel.There are recesses for all the components, keeping them quitesecure. The reamers and countersink drills are color-coded to thesize of the post. Curiously, the ends of the titanium posts arecolor-coded, but the ends of the stainless steel are not. Package ofGates-Glidden drills, which are also color-coded, does not fit inmain box and makes lid bulge if you try to force it. The #3 size isa la carte.

Directions Plain paper booklet, 14 pages, very complete and comprehensive.Interestingly, you are instructed to read pages 7–13 first. Why notjust print the booklet with those pages at the beginning?

Stainless Steel Cost: $181.34/12 ($15.11)

TitaniumCost: $187.59/12 ($15.63)Includes: • 4 small posts (#0) • 4 medium posts (#1) • 4 large posts (#2) • 3 primary reamers (small,

medium, large) • 3 countersink drills (small,

medium, large) • 1 extender for reamers • 1 external wrench • 5 Gates-Glidden • 1 depth gauge

Refills

Stainless SteelCost: $124.33 ($12.43/post)

TitaniumCost: $129.51 ($12.95/post) Includes:• 10 posts • 1 reamer• 1 countersink drill

Flexi-FlangeEDS(3.8)

The ultimate in retentionUnique design reduces stress

Root fracture is still a possibilityWrench access can be difficult

2a

Description Sandblasted, parallel-sided, titanium posts with a knurled shankin the post section and a head with grooves and flow-through fea-ture for extra retention. The drills have a color-coded band, butthe posts do not have any color-coding whatsoever.

Sizes and Color-CodingFive#3 0.8mm Yellow#4 0.9mm Red#4.5 1.0mm Purple#5 1.2mm Blue#6 1.5mm Green

Cementation After posthole preparation with the supplied drill, which bestmatches the size of the root canal, the posthole is checked with theIP Probe. Any adjustment in length is done at the apical end sothe entire head can be available for core retention. Then the cor-responding post is picked up with the IP Carrier (looks like ablunt-end explorer) through the opening in its head and carried tothe cement-coated posthole. Cement should be a self-cure or dual-cure resin in conjunction with a self-cure adhesive. Since the postsare already sandblasted, no additional treatment is necessary.

However, if they become contaminated with saliva, rinse withwater, apply phosphoric acid as a decontaminating agent, rinseimmediately, and dry.

Packaging The stainless steel organizer, called HotBox, is similar to a bur-block, only much larger and has a left-hinged cover. Top securelylatches to prevent accidental opening. The sizes of the posts areembossed in the metal, but the only color-coding are the rings onthe drills. Nevertheless, this is nicely organized and easy to use andsterilize. The 4.5L (14.6mm) size is 0.5mm longer than the regu-lar version in the kit. However, the two posts in that size do notcome in the kit, but in a large plastic tray separate from theHotBox.

Directions Plastic-coated card with numerous color illustrations accompany-ing the step-by-step procedure. States that a Peeso Brush, used toclean the posthole, is included in the kit, but ours did not havethis item. You are told to dry the canal after etching, but someadhesives do not bond to dry dentin. Otherwise, the advice isstraightforward and easy to follow.

Posts


IntegraPostPremier (3.8)

Intro KitCost: $287.20/20 ($14.36/post)Includes: • 3 posts (#3) • 5 posts (#4) • 5 posts (#4.5) • 2 posts (#4.5L) • 3 posts (#5)• 2 posts (#6) • 5 drills • 1 IP carrier • 1 IP probe • 1 stainless steel organizer

Refills Cost: $86.15 ($8.62/post) Includes 10 posts

Knurls for extra retention Flow-through head better for core retention

Drying posthole not good with most adhesives Where’s the promised Peeso Brush?

2bENCORE

METAL-FREE

D.T. Light-Posts are completely translucent andtapered to conserve tooth structure compared to theparallel-sided posts. They have excellent light transmis-sion and are moderately radiopaque. They were also

the strongest posts out of eight in a recent, three-pointbending study. However, the heads do not offer extraretention for cores, the posts themselves are not color-coded, and the drills did not get high marks for cuttingefficiency.

REALITY

Posts


ParaPost Fiber White continues the tradition of well-organized post systems from the manufacturer whobasically started the prefabricated post business,Whaledent. These posts keep to the ParaPost heritageby having parallel sides, but add extra retentive fea-tures such as the serrations and double-head design.The kits excel in organization through effective color-coding, which doesn’t enhance the effectiveness of theposts but does make the system more efficient. In addi-tion, they are moderately radiopaque. However, theyhave poor light transmission and ranked in the middleof eight posts in a recent, three-point bending study.

Achromat/Achromat HP give you a choice of head orno head, a larger percentage of fibers than other posts(should make it stronger), serrations and vent slot, anddecent radiopacity. However, they have poor lighttransmission and no color-coding on the posts them-selves.

Twin Luscent Anchors tops its conventional designsibling by having a unique hour-glass-like form thatshould increase mechanical retention and, at the sametime, resist rotational movements. It is also completelytranslucent and transmits light better than any otherpost in this group. The color-coded endo stoppersalready on the post are a great convenience item, butthe router may remove excessive tooth structure andmay not be necessary for retention. They require aradiopaque cement to be seen clearly on an x-ray andtheir unusual shape may not fit small canals.

FibreKor Posts are very similar to ParaPost FiberWhite in color, the serrated ledges in all but the small-est size, and the parallel walls. However, they don’thave any extra head retention for the core materialand poor light transmission. On the other hand, theyare the least expensive post in this category and havereasonably good radiopacity.

METAL

ParaPosts have been around as long as most of us canremember. As a system, they offer more sizes andchoices than any other brand of post. Even though theoriginal design is still being used, XH, with its moreretentive diamond retention pattern and slotted head,provide additional benefits for an old favorite. If youprefer the diamond retention pattern, but don’t likethe head, buy XP. And, if you like the diamond reten-tion and the head, but you want added security withthe active retention of a threaded post, try XT. Withthe threads only in the coronal half of the posthole,where the remaining thickness of the posthole wallsshould be thicker, there is less of the chance of splittinga root during the threading procedure.

Flexi-Flange is the most retentive post system on themarket and has a tremendous amount of research toback up its performance claims. Even though they arethreaded, their design puts minimal stress on the root.However, gaining access to use the wrench can be dif-ficult at times and they are only available in four sizes.If you want them to be passive, use the large drill withthe small post. These are best used when minimal or nocoronal tooth structure remains.

Integra-Posts have several positive design features,including pre-sandblasting, knurls for extra cementretention, and the flow-through head for core reten-tion. Their totally passive fit may also aid in reducingstress in the root and minimizes tooth reduction.However, you are instructed to dry the posthole whenyour adhesive may perform better with a moist surface.

Metal-FreeÆstheti-PlusBisco

CarboPostDanville Materials

Core-PostDen-Mat

FRC PostecIvoclar Vivadent

PermaPost FiberUltradent

SnowLightDanville Materials

MetalFilpostFilhol Dental

OptiPostBrasseler

Perma-Post MetalUltradent

Pro-PostDentsply Tulsa

SB PostJ. Morita USA

Surtex Classic PostDentatus

Vlock PostBrasseler

OTHER PRODUCTS IN THIS CATEGORY

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