Internal adaptation of cobalt-chromium posts fabricated by selective laser melting technology.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Selective laser melting (SLM) has become popular in prosthetic dentistry. However, only limited information is available for the internal adaptation of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) posts fabricated by SLM.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the internal adaptation of Co-Cr metal posts fabricated by SLM technique.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six Co-Cr metal posts were fabricated by conventional casting, subtractive computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM), and additive CAD-CAM, by making an impression from a standardized model of a tooth with a single root canal. Posts and the dies were bonded with cement. Specimens were then sectioned horizontally by using a grinding and polishing machine, and 3 different cross-sections of each post were chosen to represent the apical, middle, and coronal regions. The areas of cement were photographed by using a stereomicroscope at an original magnification of ×32 and measured using image-measuring software. From each group, 1 specimen was randomly selected and observed by using scanning electron microscopy. One-way ANOVA and Tukey honestly significant difference test were performed to identify differences among groups with regard to internal adaptation (α=.05).

RESULT: The internal adaptation of the SLM group did not differ from that of the CAD-CAM milling group at 3 cross-section levels (P>.05). At the apical and coronal cross-section levels, the cement area of SLM group was smaller than that of the cast group (P<.05). However, at the middle cross-section level, the cement area of the cast group was significantly smaller than that of the SLM group (P<.05). Use of scanning electron microscopy showed both the SLM group and the CAD-CAM milling group exhibited homogeneous microstructures. However, the cast group showed a typical discontinuous dendritic solidification microstructure.

CONCLUSIONS: The internal adaptation of SLM was not inferior to that of the CAD-CAM milling group or the cast group. The SLM technique seems a promising choice for fabricating dental posts.