Fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored by different FRC posts: An in vitro study

BACKGROUND: Posts and cores are often required for restoration of pulpless teeth and to provide retention and resistance for a complete crown, but conventional posts may increase the root fracture. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to compare the root fracture resistance of extracted teeth treated with different fibers reinforced with composite posts and treated teeth with conventional post and core systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Root canal therapy was performed for 50 mandibular first premolars. The coronal portion of each tooth was amputated, and five post and core systems (cast, polyethylene woven, glass, carbon, and quartz fiber posts) were compared. Acrylic resin blocks were used for mounting, using a layer of elastomeric impression material covering the roots. The load was applied axially and measured with a universal testing machine. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Significantly, cast posts and cores had a higher failure threshold including teeth fracture; whereas, fiber posts failure was due to core fracture, with or without fractures in coronal portion of posts. Difference in FRC posts did not provide any significant difference in the load failure and the mode of fracture.