Purpose: To compare the accuracy of posts fabricated using a conventional direct technique with casting to the accuracy of posts fabricated using a fully digital protocol with CAD/CAM technology and selective laser melting.
Materials and methods: Ten extracted permanent maxillary incisors were endodontically treated and prepared for a post. For each tooth, two metal posts were fabricated, one by casting (Group C) and one by a fully digital protocol (Group D). Accuracy of fit was analyzed with computed microtomography (μCT) to compare the space volume, the space area, and the distance between the post and the prepared root canal wall among posts.
Results: The mean and SD values of the overall space volume and the distance between the post and the prepared root canal wall, respectively, were: Group C: 2.22 ± 1.35 mm3 and 53.66 ± 23.39 μm; Group D: 3.82 ± 0.45 mm3 and 89.47 ± 19.30 μm. The values for the Group C posts were significantly lower (P = .002). All space volume values in all measured sections were significantly lower for the Group C posts. The mean distance and the space area between the post and the prepared root canal wall in the apical sections 3 (P < .001 for both) and 4 (P = .0019; P = .004, respectively) were significantly lower in Group C. No significant differences were calculated in cervical sections 1 and 2.
Conclusion: Both methods of post manufacturing were similarly accurate in the cervical part of the prepared root canal; however, a significant difference regarding the accuracy of both methods was determined for the apical parts of the posts.