Fracture load assessment of digitally fabricated post and prefabricated fibre post in endodontically treated teeth

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Endodontically treated teeth are structurally more susceptible to root fractures. Proper tooth restorations with digitally fabricated or fibre post following endodontic therapy is essential to restore function and esthetics. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in vitro study is to evaluate the fracture load of digitally fabricated and prefabricated fibre posts in endodontically treated teeth. METHODS: Sixty extracted human single rooted teeth were selected. The crowns were sectioned at the cement-enamel junction to standardize the remaining root length at 15 mm from the apices. Cleaning, shaping and obturation was done using conventional step back technique to an ISO K-file size 40. The roots were divided into two groups of 30 samples each: Group S: teeth reinforced with digitally fabricated posts; Group F: teeth reinforced with fibre posts. Each group was further divided into three subgroups (S7, S9, S12, F7, F9, F12) based on lengths 7, 9 and 12 mm at which the posts were cemented. Composite resin core was fabricated and prepared to receive a complete metal crown. Universal testing machine was used to measure the compressive load required to fracture the teeth. RESULTS: The highest fracture resistance of 1532N was observed with fibre posts at 12 mm of post space length followed by digitally fabricated post 1398N at 12 mm, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The highest fracture resistance was observed in the teeth restored with fibre posts with 12 mm length and the lowest with digitally fabricated post with 7 mm length. As the length of post increases irrespective of type of post fracture resistance increased.