Fracture resistance of composite and amalgam cores retained by pins coated with new adhesive resins.

This study determined the effects of coating pins with either Panavia EX or with 4-META (Cover-Up) materials on the fracture resistance of pin-retained amalgam and composite cores. Gold-plated stainless steel (TMS) and titanium (Filpin) self-threading pins were used. Findings of this study corroborated the findings of several other studies that the use of pins reduces the fracture resistance of restorations. However, coating the pins with adhesion promoters such as Panavia EX and 4-META materials has been found to be effective in improving the fracture resistance. Cross-preference was observed between TMS and Filpin pins; that is, Panavia material coating was more effective with TMS pins, while 4-META was more effective with Filpin pins.