Radiopacity of Esthetic Post Materials: Evaluation with Digital Analysis Technique

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the radiopacity of five post materials using a digital image analysis method. Materials and Methods: Twelve specimens from each post type (two zirconia and three fiber based) of 2 mm in thickness were obtained using a diamond blade mounted on a cutting machine, and digital radiographs were taken along with aluminum step-wedge and dentin discs under standard exposure conditions. The mean gray-values of specimens were measured using a computer graphics program. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Holm-Sidak multicomparison test (p = 0.05). Results: The highest radiopacity was observed in custom zirconia (5.842 millimeters of equivalent Al [mmAl]), and the lowest value was detected with FRC-Postec (Ivoclar Vivadent) (1.716 mmAl). Significant differences were revealed between the radiopacity values among all groups (p < 0.05), except the Zr post materials (p = 0.56). Conclusions: All tested post materials had higher radiopacity than dentin. Further studies will be required to clarify optimum radiopacity properties of the post materials to provide a precise clinical observation.