How the translucency of direct anatomic fiber posts affects the bond strength and microhardness of a self-adhesive luting agent in flared roots

Objectives To evaluate the influence of the composite resin translucency used in direct anatomic fiber posts on the bond strength (BS) and microhardness (VHN) of a luting agent into flared roots. Materials and methods The root canals of 70 single-rooted premolars were endodontically treated and prepared to simulate an oversized root canal. Prior to post cementation, composite resins with varying translucency (high translucent, HT; medium translucent, MT; high opacity, HO) were placed around the fiber posts to create anatomic fiber posts. The attenuation profile (%) of light passing either through the post or through the anatomic posts ( n = 8) was obtained prior to the cementing procedures. A positive control group (PC) in which a prefabricated fiber post (PFP) with the diameter compatible with the root canal was cemented and a poorly adapted fiber post (negative control group, NC) were also evaluated. For both tests, the data were subjected to 2-way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests ( α = 0.05). Results A more severe light attenuation through the post at the cervical ( P