Fracture strength of fiber post with polyetheretherketone post: An In vitro comparative study

Abstract

Abstract Aim: To assess and compare the fracture strength of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) post materials with fiber posts on endodontically treated maxillary central incisors. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro comparative study, two dental post materials were evaluated: fiber-reinforced post and PEEK post. Simple random sampling was done and 30 specimens were fabricated using extracted, decoronated, and endodontically treated maxillary central incisors (n = 15 for each group). Post-space preparation was done 5 mm short of the apex and restored with prefabricated fiber post (n = 15) and customized PEEK post (n = 15). Samples were mounted in a cold cure acrylic cylindrical block, at 45° angulation for testing the fracture strength using a universal testing machine. The data were analyzed and compared statistically, using an independent t test. Results: Mean fracture strength of the PEEK post was 65.79 kg and the fiber post was 59.32 kg with no statistically significant difference in the fracture strength between the two groups. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that the PEEK post has similar mechanical properties to the fiber post and could be considered as an alternative to the fiber post having the advantages of being custom-made requiring conservative canal preparation with minimal dentin removal.