Dental implants could give back function, esthetics and quality of life to patients. The correct choice of the implant, especially in borderline cases, is essential for a satisfactory result. Aim Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanical behavior of Morse taper implants with two different prosthetic interfaces. Methods Twenty self-locking Morse taper implants, 2.9 mm in diameter (FAC), and 20 Morse taper implants, 3.5 mm in diameter (CM) were divided into two groups (n=10), and submitted to strength to failure test, optical microscopic evaluation of fracture, metallographic analysis of the alloy, finite element analysis (FEA) and strain gauge test. A Student’s t test (α = 0.05) was made for a statistical analysis. Results For the strength to failure test, a statistically difference was observed (p <0.001) between FAC (225.0 ± 19.8 N) and CM (397.3 ± 12.5 N). The optical microscopic evaluation demonstrated a fracture pattern that corroborated with FEA´s results. The metallographic analysis determined that the implants of the FAC group have titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy in their composition. In the strain gauge test, there was no statistical difference (p = 0.833) between CM (1064.8 ± 575.04 μS) and FAC (1002.2 ± 657.6 μS) groups. Conclusion Based on the results obtained in this study, ultra-narrow implants (FAC) should ideally be restricted to areas with low masticatory effort.

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the structural, morphological and mechanical properties of two different lithium disilicate glass-reinforced ceramics for CAD-CAM systems (IPS e.max CAD and Rosetta SM). Five methodologies were used for both ceramics: microstructure (n = 2) was analyzed using x-ray diffraction (XRD); morphological properties (n = 2) were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with and without hydrofluoric etching; porosity (n = 3) was assessed using 3D micro-computed tomography (micro-CT); flexural strength was measured (n =1 0) using the three-point bending test; and bond strength was determined with self-adhesive resin cement (n = 10), using a microshear bond test. After performing all the tests, the data were analyzed using t-Student test and two-way ANOVA. All the tests used a significance level of α = 0.05. High peak positions corresponding to standard lithium metasilicate and lithium disilicate with similar intensities were observed for both ceramics in the XRD analysis. Morphological analysis showed that the crystalline structure of the two ceramics studied showed no statistical difference after acid etching. Additionally, no significant differences were recorded in the number or size of the pores for the ceramics evaluated. Moreover, no differences in flexural strength were found for the ceramic materials tested, or in the bond strength to ceramic substrates for the resin cements. Based on the study results, no significant differences were found between the two CAD-CAM lithium disilicate glass-reinforced ceramics tested, since they presented similar crystalline structures with comparable intensities, and similar total porosity, flexural strength and bond strength.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the cavity preparation and ceramic type on the stress distribution, tooth strain, fracture resistance and fracture mode of human molar teeth restored with onlays. Material and Methods Forty-eight molars were divided into four groups (n=12) with assorted combinations of two study factors: BL- conventional onlay preparation with boxes made from leucite ceramic (IPS-Empress CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent); NBL- conservative onlay preparation without boxes made from leucite ceramic; BD- conventional onlay preparation with boxes made from lithium disilicate glass ceramic (IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent); NBL- conservative onlay preparation with boxes made from lithium disilicate glass ceramic cuspal deformation (µS) was measured at 100 N and at maximum fracture load using strain gauge. Fracture resistance (N) was measured using a compression test, and the fracture mode was recorded. Finite element analysis was used to evaluate the stress distribution by modified von Mises stress criteria. The tooth strain and fracture resistance data were analyzed using the Tukey test and two-way ANOVA, and the fracture mode was analyzed by the chi-square test (α=0.05). Results The leucite ceramic resulted in higher tooth deformation at 100 N and lower tooth deformation at the maximum fracture load than the lithium disilicate ceramic (P<0.001). The lithium disilicate ceramic exhibited higher fracture resistance than the leucite ceramic (P<0.001). The conservative onlay resulted in higher fracture strength for lithium disilicate ceramic. Finite element analysis results showed the conventional cavity preparation resulted in higher stress concentration in the ceramic restoration and remaining tooth than the conservative onlay preparation. The conservative onlays exhibited increased fracture resistance, reduced stress concentration and more favorable fracture modes. Conclusion Molars restored with lithium disilicate CAD-CAM ceramic onlays exhibited higher fracture resistance than molars restored with leucite CAD-CAM ceramic onlays.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the amount of deformation from compression caused by different diameters of Morse taper implants and the residual deformation after load removal. Thirty Morse taper implants lacking external threads were divided into 3 groups (n = 10) according to their diameter as follows: 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm and 5.0 mm. Two-piece abutments were fixed into the implants, and the samples were subjected to compressive axial loading up to 1500 N of force. During the test, one strain gauge remained fixed to the cervical portion of each implant to measure the strain variation. The strain values were recorded at two different time points: at the maximum load (1500 N) and 60 seconds after load removal. To calculate the strain at the implant/abutment interface, a mathematical formula was applied. Data were analyzed using a one-way Anova and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). The 5.0 mm diameter implant showed a significantly lower strain (650.5 μS ± 170.0) than the 4.0 mm group (1170.2 μS ± 374.7) and the 3.5 mm group (1388.1 μS ± 326.6) (p < 0.001), regardless of the load presence. The strain values decreased by approximately 50% after removal of the load, regardless of the implant diameter. The 5.0 mm implant showed a significantly lower strain at the implant/abutment interface (943.4 μS ± 504.5) than the 4.0 mm group (1057.4 μS ± 681.3) and the 3.5 mm group (1159.6 μS ± 425.9) (p < 0.001). According to the results of this study, the diameter influenced the strain around the internal and external walls of the cervical region of Morse taper implants; all diameters demonstrated clinically acceptable values of strain.

AIM: To evaluate the microleakage at the implant-abutment (I-A) interface of Morse tapered implants inoculated with different volumes of bacterial suspension.METHODS: Morse tapered I-A sets were selected and divided in two groups depending on the type of abutment: passing screw (PS) and solid (S), and then subdivided into four subgroups (n=6) according to the suspension volume: PS1: 0.1 µL; PS3: 0.3 µL; PS5: 0.5 µL; PS7: 0.7 µL; S1: 0.1 µL; S3: 0.>3 µL; S5: 0.5 µL and S7: 0.7 µL. A control test was performed to verify the presence of external contamination during the inoculation and the implants were incubated for microbiological analysis. The microleakage was evaluated every 24 h for 7 days by the clarity of solution. After this period, the implants were disassembled for confirmation of bacterial viability.RESULTS: All the specimens with 0.7 µL and one sample of S5 presented turbidity in the control test indicating external contamination, and were excluded from the study. After 7 days of observation, none of the specimens presented positive results for microleakage and the bacterial viability was confirmed in all specimens. The 0.1 µL and 0.3 µL volumes did not present bacterial microleakage, meaning that these volumes may be inadequate for analysis.CONCLUSIONS: None of the sets evaluated showed bacterial microleakage at the I-A interface and the volume of 0.7 µL exceeded the internal capacity of the implants.

This study's aims was to evaluate the stress distribution in a mandibular implant-supported prosthesis and peri-implant bone considering implant quantity, diameter and position using linear 3-D finite element analysis. Models of an anterior jaw comprised 4 groups according to implant quantity, diameter, and position: control group C, 5 regular implants; R, 3 regular implants; W, 3 wide implants; and DTR, 3 regular implants with the distal ones tilted 30º distally. The cantilever was loaded with an axial load of 50 N. Data was evaluated using von Mises stress on implants and maximum principal stress and microstrain on the bone. The W group showed the lowest value of maximum principal stress in peri-implant bone of the loaded side (4.64 MPa) when compared to C (5.27 MPa), DTR (5.94 MPa), and R (11.12 MPa). Lower stress values in the loaded implants were observed in the experimental groups when compared to the C group. However, the unloaded implants presented opposite results. All the screws of the W group presented lower stress values when compared to the C group. However, the R and DTR groups presented an increase in stress values with the exception of the loaded screw. A reduction in the number of implants associated with wider implants reduced the stress in the bone and prosthetic components.

The aim of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate patient rehabilitation with two immediately loaded implants and bar-retained mandibular overdentures after 48 months of follow-up. Twenty patients were treated with two implants each; of these, 17 patients were re-evaluated for comparison. Gender, age, plaque index, gingival inflammation, keratinized mucosa, probing depth, bleeding, and implant loss data were recorded, and periapical radiographs were obtained for measurement of marginal bone loss. The results were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation test. To compare the data at baseline and after 48 months, a Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was performed (α = 0.05). One implant failed (2.9%) during the first year and was replaced. A total of 35 implants were evaluated. Bone loss values were 0.52–2.89 mm (mean, 1.46 mm). Probing depth was 1.75–3.75 mm (mean, 2.22 mm). Correlations were found between bone loss and plaque index and between bone loss and gender, but bone loss did not correlate with gingival inflammation, keratinized mucosa, probing depth, or age. The overall survival rate of the implants was 97.1%. Based on these results, the use of two immediately loaded splinted interforaminal implants to retain an overdenture with a bar attachment is a clinically viable option with a high survival rate.

AIM: To compare two main methods of two-dimensional measurement of fit at the implant prosthodontic interface, testing the hypothesis that optical microscopy (OM) can reliably and efficiently scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). METHODS: Four frameworks with four titanium abutments joined with titanium bars were used. The implant-abutment interfaces were examined by three different methods, forming 3 groups: analysis by OM (40x), and analysis by SEM at 300x and 500x. Readings were taken at the mesial and distal proximal surfaces on the horizontal and vertical axes of each implant (n=32). One-way ANOVA with a significance level of 5% was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Neither the horizontal fit nor vertical fit values of the 3 groups presented statistically significant differences (p=0.410 and p=0.543). CONCLUSIONS: OM was found to be an accurate two-dimensional method for abutment-framework or implant-abutment interface measurements, with lower costs than SEM. SEM micrographs at 500x presented technical difficulties for the readings that might produce different results.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the microleakage at the implant/abutment interface of external hexagon (eH) implants and abutments with different amounts of bacteria and tightening torques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A bacterial suspension was prepared to inoculate the implants. The first phase of this study used nine EH implants and abutments that were divided into three groups with different amounts of bacterial suspension (n=3): V0.5: 0.5 µL; V1.0: 1.0 µL e V1.5: 1.5 µL, and tightened to the manufacturer's recommended torque. The second phase of this experiment used 27 assemblies that were similar to those used in the first phase. These samples were inoculated with 0.5 µL of bacterial suspension and divided into three groups (n=9). T10: 10 Ncm; T20: 20 Ncm and T32: 32 Ncm. The samples were evaluated according to the turbidity of the broth every 24 hours for 14 days, and the bacteria viability was tested after that period. The statistical evaluation was conducted by Kruskal-Wallis testing (p<.05). RESULTS: During the first phase, groups V1.0 and V1.5 was presented with bacterial contamination in all samples after 24 h. During the second phase, two samples from group T10 and one from T20 presented positive results for bacterial contamination. Different amounts of bacterial solution led to overflow and contamination during the first 24 h of the experiment. The tightening torques did not statistically affect the microleakage in the assemblies. However, the group that was tightened to 32 Ncm torque did not show any bacterial contamination. CONCLUSION: After 14 days of experimentation, the bacteria were proven to remain viable inside the implant internal cavity.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a perda do torque inicial, quando usados novos parafusos de pilares e após sucessivos apertos. Quatro infra-estruturas (IE), utilizando pilares calcináveis tipo UCLA, foram fundidas em liga de cobalto-cromo, onde novos parafusos de pilares foram utilizados (G1) em um primeiro momento. Posteriormente os mesmos parafusos de pilares foram utilizados em um segundo momento (G2), e depois por mais duas vezes (G3). Os valores de torque e detorque aplicados foram mensurados a partir de um torquímetro digital para obtenção dos valores de perda do torque inicial (%). Os dados foram coletados e submetidos à análise de variância e teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os grupos G1 (50,71% ± 11,36) and G2 (24,01% ± 3,33) (p=0,000) and the groups G1 (50,71% ± 11,36) and G3 (25,60% ± 4,64) (p=0,000). Os maiores valores foram encontrados para o grupo G1. Não houve diferença estaticamente significante entre os grupos G2 e G3 (p=0,774). Dentro das limitações deste estudo, pôde-se observar que a porcentagem de perda de torque inicial foi menor quando os parafusos já haviam sofrido a aplicação do primeiro torque, se mantendo estáveis após os demais torques.

This study evaluated the loss of the torque applied after use of new screws and after successive tightening. Four infrastructures (IE), using UCLA castable abutment type, were cast in cobalt-chromium alloy and new abutment screws (G1) were used in a first moment. Subsequently, the same abutment screws were used a second time (G2) and more than two times (G3). The values of the torques applied and detorques were measured with a digital torque wrench to obtain the values of initial tightening loss (%). Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (?=0.05). Significant differences were observed between the G1 (50.71% ± 11.36) and G2 (24.01% ± 3.33) (p=0.000) and between G1 (50.71% ± 11.36) and G3 (25.60% ± 4.64) (p=0.000). There was no significant difference between G2 and G3 (p=0.774). Within the limitations of the study, it may be concluded that the percentage of the initial torque loss is lower when screws that already suffered the application of an initial torque were used, remaining stable after application of successive torques.

Este estudo tem como objetivo comparar o ajuste vertical e a passividade de infraestruturas em monobloco confeccionadas em 3 diferentes materiais: titânio comercialmente puro (Ti cp - G1), cobalto-cromo (Co-Cr - G2) e níquel-cromo-titânio (Ni-Cr-Ti - G3). Quinze infraestruturas foram obtidas simulando barras para próteses fixas em um modelo com 5 implantes. O ajuste vertical e a passividade da interface da infraestrutura foram medidos usando um microscópio óptico (30×). Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente por meio da ANOVA e teste LSD (α=0,05). A média dos valores e o desvio-padrão da passividade e do ajuste vertical estão apresentados respectivamente: Ti cp [472,49 (109,88) μm e 29,9 (13,24) μm], Co-Cr [584,84 (120,20) μm e 27,05 (10,30) μm], Ni-Cr-Ti [462,70 (179,18) μm e 24,95 (11,14) μm]. Para o desajuste vertical, não houve diferença significante entre o Ti cp e as ligas Co-Cr e Ni-Cr-Ti (p=0,285). Para passividade, não houve diferença significante entre Ti cp e Ni-Cr-Ti (p=0,844), mas ambos foram estatisticamente diferentes do Co-Cr (p=0,028 e p=0,035, respectivamente), o qual apresentou os piores resultados. Pode-se concluir que os materiais utilizados para confecção das infraestruturas não influenciaram o ajuste vertical e que infraestruturas fundidas em monobloco resultaram em inadequados ajustes passivos. A liga de Co-Cr apresentou os piores resultados para a passividade.

This study compared vertical and passive fit of one-piece cast frameworks made with 3 different materials: commercially pure titanium (CP Ti - G1), cobalt-chromium alloy (Co-Cr - G2) and nickel-chromium-titanium alloy (Ni-Cr-Ti - G3). Fifteen frameworks were obtained simulating bars for fixed prosthesis in a model with 5 implants. The passive and vertical fit of the framework interface was measured using an optical microscope at ×30 magnification. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and LSD tests (α=0.05). Mean and standard deviation values for passive fit and vertical fit were, respectively: G1 [472.49 (109.88) µm and 29.9 (13.24) µm], G2 [584.84 (120.20) µm and 27.05 (10.30) µm], and G3 [462.70 (179.18) µm and 24.95 (11.14) µm]. For vertical fit, there were no significant differences among G1, G2 and G3 (p=0.285). There were no significant differences for passive fit between G1 and G3 (p=0.844), but both differed significantly from G2 (p=0.028 and p=0.035, respectively), which showed the highest misfit values. It may be concluded that the vertical fit of frameworks was not affected by the tested materials, and that one-piece cast frameworks resulted in inadequate passive fit. The Co-Cr alloy presented the worst values for passive fit.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo correlacionar o nível de desajuste vertical pilar/implante a perda do torque aplicado (destorque). Um modelo de trabalho foi obtido a partir de uma matriz metálica com cinco implantes tipo hexágono externo (Titamax, Neodent, Curitiba, Brasil) com plataforma regular (4,1 mm). Sobre esta matriz, quatro infra-estruturas foram enceradas utilizando pilares tipo UCLA e fundidas em monobloco com titânio comercialmente puro (Tritan grau I, Dentaurum, Alemanha). Os desajustes foram analisados com um microscópio óptico comparador (Mytutoyo, Japão) após torque de 20 Ncm. O maior valor de desajuste observado por pilar foi utilizado. O valor do torque de desaperto, avaliado com um torquímetro digital (TQ-680, Instrutherm, Brasil), foi calculado em porcentagem do valor do torque inicial (100%) dado aos parafusos protéticos. O teste de correlação de Pearson (p<0,05), entre os valores de desajuste (29,08 ± 8,78 µm) e as porcentagens da perda de torque (50,71 ± 11,37%), não mostrou correlação estatisticamente significante (p=0,295) entre tais fatores. Dentro das limitações do estudo, pode ser concluído que não necessariamente grandes valores de desajustes verticais implicarão em grades perdas de torque.

This study investigated whether there is a direct correlation between the level of vertical misfit at the abutment/implant interface and torque losses (detorque) in abutment screws. A work model was obtained from a metal matrix with five 3.75 x 9 mm external hex implants with standard platform (4.1 mm). Four frameworks were waxed using UCLA type abutments and one-piece cast in commercially pure titanium. The misfit was analyzed with a comparator microscope after 20 Ncm torque. The highest value of misfit observed per abutment was used. The torque required to loose the screw was evaluated using a digital torque meter. The torque loss values, measured by the torque meter, were assumed as percentage of initial torque (100%) given to abutment screws. Pearson's correlation (α=0.05) between the misfit values (29.08 ± 8.78 µm) and the percentage of detorque (50.71 ± 11.37%) showed no statistically significant correlation (p=0.295). Within the limitations of this study, it may be concluded that great vertical misfits dot not necessarily implies in higher detorque values.

Um ajuste inadequado na interface pilar/implante pode gerar problemas mecânicos e biológicos. Etapas laboratoriais podem induzir a um desajuste em tal interface quando pilares do tipo UCLA calcináveis são utilizados. Este estudo propôs-se a avaliar comparativamente o desempenho de três laboratórios de prótese dentária (Labs A, B e C) pela análise do ajuste vertical de pilares UCLA calcináveis durante o processo de fundição e solda de uma mesma prótese. Quatro próteses fixas foram confeccionadas por cada laboratório utilizando pilares do tipo UCLA calcinável. A avaliação foi feita em microscopia eletrônica de varredura sob aumento de 500 x nas faces mesial e distal de cada elemento da prótese, totalizando 24 medidas por laboratório. Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis (p<0,05). Na fundição, os valores apresentados pelos laboratórios diferiram estatisticamente (p=0,004). Após a análise da solda, os valores não apresentaram diferença significante entre os laboratórios (p=0,948). Pode-se concluir que os valores de ajuste obtidos no estágio de fundição de pilares UCLA, podem ser influenciados quando processados por diferentes laboratórios e que o processo de solda convencional, por si só, aumenta o grau de desajuste da infra-estrutura, independente do laboratório que a realizou.

An inadequate fit at the abutment/implant interface can generate mechanical and biological problems. The laboratorial stages could induce misfit in such interface when the castable UCLA abutment type is used. The purpose of this study was to comparatively evaluate the performance of three prosthetic laboratories (Labs A, B and C) by vertical fit analysis of castable UCLA abutments on the casting and soldering stages of the same prosthesis. Four fixed prostheses were built by each laboratory using castable UCLA abutments. The evaluation was made by scanning electron microscopy under 500x magnification in the mesial and distal regions of each element of the prosthesis, totalizing 24 measurements per laboratory. The results were analyzed statistically by Kruskal-Wallis test (p<0.05). In the casting process, the values presented by the laboratories differed significantly to each other (p=0.004). After soldering, the values presented by the laboratories showed no significant difference (p=0.948). It may be concluded that the fit values obtained in the casting stage of UCLA abutments can be influenced when processed by different laboratories, and that conventional soldering itself increased the degree of framework misfit, regardless of which laboratory made it.

Devido ao contínuo avanço tecnológico e crescente disponibilidade de novas ligas não-nobres e sistemas cerâmicos no mercado, e também à prática clínica diária, a constante avaliação da resistência de união das combinações metal/porcelana tornou-se necessária. Este estudo avaliou a resistência da união metal/porcelana de três sistemas cerâmicos (Duceram, Williams e Noritake) em combinação com três ligas à base de níquel-cromo (Ni-Cr) (Durabond, Verabond e Viron). Trinta cilindros fundidos (15 mm de altura; 6 mm de diâmetro) foram obtidos para cada liga e 10 espécimes de cada liga foram testados com cada porcelana. A resistência de união foi calculada utilizando uma máquina EMIC aplicando uma força de cisalhamento paralela ao corpo-de-prova até a fratura. A resistência ao cisalhamento foi calculada usando a força aplicada dividida pela área de superfícia da camada de opaco. O teste U de Mann-Whitney foi empregado para a análise estatistica das interações metal/porcelana (p<0,05). Viron/Noritake apresentou a maior média de resistência adesiva (32,93 MPa), enquanto Verabond/Duceram apresentou a menor média (16,31 MPa). Viron/Noritake diferiu estatisticamente das demais combinações (p<0,05). Viron/Duceram apresentou média estatisticamente maior que Verabond/Duceram, Verabond/Williams e Durabond/Noritake (p<0,05). Houve diferença significante (p<0.05) também entre Verabond/Noritake, Verabond/Duceram e Durabond/Noritake. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre as demais combinações (p>0,05). Em conclusão, o sistema cerâmico Noritake utilizado em associação com a liga Viron apresentou a maior resistência às forças de cisalhamento, enquanto o sistema Duceram em combinação com a liga Verabond apresentou a menor média de resistência ao cisalhamento. Viron/Duceram e Verabond/Noritake promoveram resultados intermediários. As combinações entre o sistema cerâmico Williams e as ligas de Ni-Cr apresentaram médias de resistência ao cisalhamento semelhantes entre si.

The continuous technological advance and increasing availability of new base metal alloys and ceramic systems in the market, coupled to the demands of daily clinical practice, have made the constant evaluation of the bond strength of metal/porcelain combinations necessary. This study evaluated the metal/porcelain shear bond strength of three ceramic systems (Duceram, Williams and Noritake) in combination with three nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) alloys (Durabond, Verabond and Viron). Thirty cast cylinder specimens (15 mm high; 6 mm in diameter) were obtained for each alloy, in a way that 10 specimens of each alloy were tested with each porcelain. Bond strength was measured with an Emic screw-driven mechanical testing machine by applying parallel shear forces to the specimens until fracture. Shear strength was calculated using the ratio of the force applied to a demarcated area of the opaque layer. Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis of the alloy/ceramic combinations (p<0.05). Viron/Noritake had the highest shear bond sregnth means (32.93 MPa), while Verabond/Duceram (16.31 MPa) presented the lowest means. Viron/Noritake differed statistically from other combinations (p<0.05). Viron/Duceram had statistically significant higher bond strengths than Verabond/Duceram, Verabond/Williams and Durabond/Noritake (p<0.05). It was also found significant difference (p<0.05) between Verabond/Noritake, Verabond/Duceram and Durabond/Noritake. No statistically significant difference (p>0.05) were observed among the other combinations. In conclusion, the Noritake ceramic system used together with Viron alloy presented the highest resistance to shear forces, while Duceram bonded to Verabond presented the lowest bond strength. Viron/Duceram and Verabond/Noritake provided intermediate results. The combinations between the Williams ceramic system and Ni-Cr alloys had similar shear strengths among each other.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito da vibração ultra-sônica na força necessária para a remoção de pinos pré-fabricados e moldados e fundidos. Foram utilizados 120 dentes, divididos em dois grupos. No grupo I foi utilizado o pino pré-fabricado metálico, Unimetric-Maillefer, de 0,8 mm; no grupo II foi utilizado o pino em liga de cobre-alumínio com 0,8, 1,0 e 1,2 mm de diâmetro. Os canais radiculares foram preparados com três diferentes diâmetros: 0,8, 1,0 e 1,2 mm, e com 10 mm em extensão. Os pinos foram fixados com cimento ionômero de vidro, resultando em 20 espécimes para cada subgrupo. Metade da amostra foi submetida à vibração ultra-sônica durante três minutos, enquanto a outra metade não recebeu nenhuma vibração. Os espécimes foram submetidos a uma carga de tração axial em uma máquina de testes universal. Os resultados foram analisados por testes não-paramétricos: U de Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon e Kruskal-Wallis. A aplicação da vibração ultra-sônica reduziu significativamente a retenção promovida pelo cimento ionômero de vidro na fixação dos pinos intra-radiculares. A ação ultra-sônica foi efetiva tanto nos pinos pré-fabricados como nos pinos moldados e fundidos. A efetividade da vibração ultra-sônica não foi relacionada à linha de cimentação ou ao diâmetro do pino.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ultrasonic vibration on the force necessary to remove pre-fabricated and anatomic and cast posts. Two hundred and forty teeth were divided into two groups. In group I, a 0.8-mm metallic pre-fabricated post, Unimetric-Maillefer, was utilized; in group II, cast copper-aluminum alloy posts measuring 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 mm in diameter were used. The root canals were prepared in three different diameters: 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 mm, with a length of 10 mm. The posts were cemented with glass monomer cement resulting in 20 specimens for each subgroup. Half of the sample was submitted to ultrasonic vibration for 3 min, while the other half did not receive any vibration. The specimens were submitted to traction in a universal testing machine. The results were analyzed by non-parametric Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The application of ultrasonic vibration significantly reduced the retention provided by the glass ionomer cement in the fixation of intracanal posts. The ultrasonic action was effective in both pre-fabricated and anatomic and cast posts. The effectiveness of the ultrasonic vibration was not related to the cementation line or the diameter of the post.