Investigation of the effects of different techniques used in removing two different post systems from the root canal

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of post removal using ultrasonic and fiber system drills on root dentin in groups of teeth that had undergone endodontic treatment and subsequently received fiber and PEEK posts. The first assessment was made by considering the time elapsed during removal and the resulting temperature changes. The effects of using different posts and different removal techniques on increased application time and temperature changes at the root surface were determined. The second assessment was conducted using different irrigation activation methods after post removal. The effects of these removal techniques and irrigation activation methods on dentinal tubules were observed using a laser scanning confocal microscope. Post removals performed with the drilling method were completed significantly faster than those performed with the ultrasonic method (p<0.05). The time was found to be longer in the ultrasonic method, especially for fiber posts. Temperature measurements showed minimal increases in removals performed with drill systems, while clinically significant temperature increases were recorded in those performed with the ultrasonic method (p<0.05). The extent of penetration into the dentinal tubules after irrigation activation varied depending on the activation technique used. PUI achieved higher penetration compared to the SWEEPS laser method, while the lowest penetration was observed in the group that received SWEEPS after drilling. In conclusion, the drilling method stands out as a clinically advantageous post removal method due to its shorter time and lower temperature rise. While the ultrasonic method has disadvantages in terms of time and temperature, it may be preferred clinically because it facilitates post mobilization. Irrigation activation is recommended to remove cement residue and smear layer after post removal.