Strength of Fiber Posts with Experimental TiO2 and ZrO2 Particle Bonding—An SEM, EDX, Rheometric and Push-Out Strength Study

Abstract

The present study aimed to prepare experimental adhesives (EAs): 5 wt.% titanium dioxide (TiO2) adhesive; and 5 wt.% zirconium oxide (ZrO2) adhesive; and analyze their impact on bond integrity of fiber posts to root dentin, and viscosity. The EA was composed of: bisphenol A glycol dimethacrylate (BisGMA); triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA); 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA); and ethyl 4-dimethylamino benzoate and camphorquinone. TiO2 and ZrO2 particles were individually incorporated into the EA at 5 wt.%, to form two groups (5% TiO2 and 5% ZrO2). The adhesives, with particles, were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The bonded interface was evaluated for adhesive–dentin penetration at the interface, using SEM. The study adhesive groups (EA, 5% TiO2 and 5% ZrO2) were analyzed for rheology and push-out bond strength of the fiber post to root dentin. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and post hoc comparison. Both TiO2 and ZrO2 particles had irregular, non-uniform shapes. The EDX mapping showed the elemental presence of Ti (TiO2), Zr (ZrO2) and oxygen in formulated adhesives. The 5% TiO2 and 5% ZrO2 adhesives showed a decrease in viscosity, compared with the EA. Bond strength among the 5% TiO2 and 5% ZrO2 adhesives was statistically comparable (p > 0.05), but higher than the control group (10.57 ± 1.45 MPa) (p < 0.05). Reinforcement of the experimental dentin adhesive with 5% TiO2 or 5% ZrO2 increased the push-out bond strength of the fiber post to root dentin, in comparison with the EA. Particle-incorporated adhesives (5% TiO2 and 5% ZrO2) displayed decreased viscosity, compared with the EA (without particles).