Structural integrity of extracted teeth restored using three different post-and-core systems: An in vitro comparative study

Saudi Dent J. 2021 Feb;33(2):63-68. doi: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2020.01.007. Epub 2020 Jan 30.

Abstract

Aim: The objective of the study was to assess the in vitro fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored using different post-and-core materials.

Materials and methods: Extracted human mandibular premolars (n = 36) were extracted teeth and equally distributed into four (4) treatment groups: cast metal post-and-core, milled zirconia post-and-core, pre-fabricated post with composite resin core and control group. These samples were then each subjected to the load to fracture test using a universal testing machine. Fracture resistance data were compared among groups by analysis of variance and Fisher's exact test.

Results: The highest mean fracture resistance value was observed in the zirconia post-and-core treatment group (1567.26 ± 317.66 N), followed by the cast metal (1355.92 ± 621.56 N) and lastly the pre-fabricated post with composite resin core (725.67 ± 251.05 N) treatment group. Differences among groups were not statistically significantly different (P = 3.77).

Conclusion: Endodontically treated mandibular premolars with a zirconia post-and-core system exhibited the highest robustness against structural failure based on its mean fracture resistance value. In addition, extracted teeth restored with cast post-and-core resisted a greater stress load than those restored with fiber-reinforced posts. Zirconia showed a more favorable fracture mode than the other restorations.

Keywords: Customized post-and-core; Endodontically treated teeth; Fiber-reinforced post; Strain fracture resistance; Zirconia support.