Assessment of Fracture Resistance of PEEK and Fibre Posts of the Endodontically Treated Teeth

Abstract

This in vitro study aimed to compare the fracture resistance between pressed custom-made polyetheretherketone (PEEK) post and core and fibre reinforced post and composite core. A total of 40 single rooted extracted teeth were selected, endodontically treated, and prepared to receive the posts. Specimens were randomly divided into two main groups (n=20/group): group 1, (PEEK); group 2, fibre post. PEEK post was manufactured with a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing system further divided into four sub groups (P7, P12, F7, F12) based on lengths 7 and 12 mm at which the posts were cemented. All posts were cemented with self-adhesive resin cement, and specimens were stored in 0.1% thymol solution during the experiment at all the times except during preparation and testing. A universal testing machine was used to measure the fracture resistance. The fracture resistance values (mean and SD, in newtons) were 1255N (P7), 1562N (P12), 1065N (F7), and 1384N (F12). Only P12 exhibited a significant difference (p,0.05). The turkey test showed an association between failure mode and post and- core material. In the remaining groups, most failures were nonrepairable and related to fracture. Customized post-and-cores of PEEK exhibited good mechanical performance. Their fracture resistance was comparable to that observed for fibre posts.