Objective: This paper presents the results of an investigation focusing on the retention of all-ceramic posts. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of two luting agents—a glass-ionomer cement (Ketac Cem) and a resin cement (Panavia F)—on the retention of a prefabricated ceramic post (Cerapost) after different pretreatment techniques in vitro. Method and Materials: Forty freshly extracted incisors and canines were treated endodontically. The root canals were filled with laterally condensed gutta-percha and sealer. The teeth were assigned to 1 of 4 groups, each containing 10 specimens: sandblasted/nonsandblasted post cemented with glass-ionomer cement and sandblasted/nonsandblasted post cemented with resin cement. Tensile tests were carried out. The specimens were also quantitatively analyzed under a scanning electron microscope. Results: The retentive strengths of posts, sandblasted and nonsandblasted, and cemented with Panavia F resin cement, were significantly increased as compared to those cemented with Ketac Cem. Conclusion: Both the luting agent and the post-surface pretreatment had a significant influence on the retention of the ceramic post.
(Quintessence Int 2005;36:593–601)

Key words: bond strength, glass-ionomer cement, resin cement, retention, zirconium oxide post