Dowel retention with glass-ionomer cement.

The retentive capacity of the Whaledent Parapost system utilizing ASPA cement was compared at two lengths, three diameters, and with respect to the effect of both medication and citric acid pretreatment. The greatest single factor influencing retention was embedment depth into dentin. No significant differences were observed between the retention values for medicated and unmedicated teeth. Finally, no increase in retention was noted over previously reported values for zinc phosphate, carboxylate, and epoxy resin cements. The glass-ionomer cement tested offers no advantage for post retention.