The purpose of this study was to quantitate the microleakage of variou
s post systems using a fluid filtration system. Eighty extracted human
single-rooted teeth were used. The crowns were removed, the canals pr
epared, and the posts were placed. The samples were divided into three
control groups and five experimental groups. The post systems tested
were: (a) stainless steel posts cemented with zinc phosphate cement or
(b) polycarboxylate cement; (c) a composite resin; (d) composite resi
n after use of a dentin bonding agent; and (e) composite resin after u
se of a dentin conditioner and dentin bonding agent. The results showe
d that none of the post systems tested were capable of consistently ac
hieving a fluid-tight seal.