Retention properties of a split-shaft threaded post: cut at different apical lengths.

The retention of the post to the root of an endodontically treated tooth is critical for a successful restoration. Modification of the post length to accommodate a specific clinical situation is common. This study compared the retention of No. 1 and No. 2 Flexi-Post restorations shortened apically from 1 to 5 mm with that reported for full-length control No. 1 and No. 2 Flexi-Post dowels. The experimental material was divided into 10 groups with 10 samples in each group. Retentive values were recorded in pounds with a universal testing machine. Analysis of variance with a Tukey-Student range, multiple-comparison test showed no statistical differences from apical reductions of 1, 2, 3, and 5 mm including the full-length control Flexi-Post No. 1 system. With 4 mm of apical shortening statistically greater retention was recorded. No statistical differences resulted with apical reductions of 1 to 4 mm or with the full-length control Flexi-Post No. 2 system, but 5 mm of apical shortening caused significantly less retention.