Biomechanical performance of endocrown and core-crown restorations: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare, through a systematic review of the literature, the biomechanical performance of endocrowns and traditional core-crowns (with and without intracanal post) for the rehabilitation of endodontically treated teeth with severe coronal structure damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. In-vitro studies comparing endocrowns with (post-)core-crown restorations were selected and screened by two independent reviewers. The included studies were submitted to the risk of bias analysis using the RoBDEMAT tool and the biomechanical outcomes were collected for qualitative analysis. The extracted data were presented based on comparative analyses among the included studies. RESULTS: Thirty-one studies were included: 9 studies evaluated restorations of molars, 14 for premolars, and 8 studies evaluated anterior restorations. For the majority of the studies, endocrowns showed either similar or greater survival rates under fatigue and monotonic load than (post-)core-crown restorations, irrespectively of the tooth. The endocrowns showed more favorable failure patterns than (post-)core-crowns, irrespectively of the tooth. Endocrowns produced lower stresses in the restorative material for molars and premolars and in the luting material for premolars than (post-)core-crown restorations. The included studies presented adequate information for most items of the RoBDEMAT risk of bias tool. CONCLUSION: Endocrowns showed similar or greater biomechanical performance than the traditional (post-)core-crown restorations in most of the evaluated studies. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This systematic review showed that endocrowns present either similar or greater biomechanical performance than core-crown restorations for anterior and posterior endodontically treated teeth with severe structural damage.

Clinical and laboratorial performance of rehabilitation of endodontically treated teeth: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to analyze the clinical (survival rate, failure risk, or fracture) and laboratory performance (fracture mode or failure) of rehabilitations of endodontically treated teeth, with and without posts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in the Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and OpenGrey databases up to March 2023, according to PRISMA guidelines. In vitro and clinical studies that compared the clinical and laboratory performance of endodontically treated teeth with and without intraradicular posts were included. Studies selection, data extraction, and risk of bias analysis were performed. RESULTS: Thirty-one in vitro and 7 clinical studies were included. For in vitro studies, fiberglass post (n = 24) was the most mentioned. The follow-up time of the clinical studies ranged from 1 to 17 years, with the fiber-reinforced composite post (n = 3) being the most evaluated, and only failure risk proved to be more favorable for using intraradicular posts. CONCLUSION: Rehabilitations of endodontically treated teeth with and without intraradicular retainers showed no difference in fracture resistance and failure mode, evaluated by in vitro studies. Clinical studies showed no difference in survival rate, but failure risk proved to be more favorable for the use of posts. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This analysis revealed significant variability between results, however, most laboratory and clinical studies revealed no difference with using the post. Furthermore, it is important to emphasize the need to evaluate the coronary remnant and the general characteristics of the tooth in each situation.

Influence of alveolar bone height on the biomechanical behavior of roots restored with custom-made posts-and-cores.

OBJETIVE: This study evaluated the influence of alveolar bone height and post type on compressive force resistance, fracture pattern, and stress distribution in endodontically treated teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bovine roots were endodontically treated and divided into eight groups (n = 10) according to alveolar bone height (normal alveolar bone and alveolar bone loss - 2 and 5 mm from the margin of the crown, respectively) and post type (prefabricated glass fiber post, anatomic glass fiber post, customized milled glass fiber post-and-core and customized milled polyetheretherketone (PEEK) post-and-core). Mechanical fatigue was simulated (300.000 cycles/50 N/1.2 Hz). Compression force resistance (N) was analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (α = 0.05). Fracture patterns were described as percentages. Stress distribution was analyzed by finite element analysis. RESULTS: Significant diferences were found for alveolar bone height (P < 0.0001): normal alveolar bone groups showed higher mean values of compression force resistance compared to alveolar bone loss groups, while no significant differences were found for post type (P = 0.4551), and there was no double interaction between them (P = 0.5837). Reparable fractures were more predominant in normal alveolar bone groups, especially in the milled glass fiber and PEEK post-and-core groups. Stress distribution was similar in groups with prefabricated glass fiber posts and milled PEEK posts-and-cores, and the alveolar bone loss condition significantly increased stress concentration and strain values, mainly on apical dentin. CONCLUSIONS: Alveolar bone loss due to physiological aging and/or periodontal disease may lead to increased risk of restored tooth failure, although milled glass fiber and PEEK posts-and-cores provide more reparable fractures. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Custom-made glass fiber and PEEK post-and-cores are interesting options, since they enable clinicians to work with a single-body post-and-core system that avoid several materials interfaces and fits well in the root canal provided promising results to improve the failure behavior of restored roots, as they offer more reparable fractures even in situations of alveolar bone loss.

Fracture resistance and failure mode of endodontically treated premolars reconstructed by different preparation approaches: Cervical margin relocation and crown lengthening with complete and partial ferrule with three different post and core systems.

PURPOSE: To assess the fracture resistance and failure mode of endodontically treated premolars reconstructed by different preparation approaches: cervical margin relocation (CMR) and crown lengthening (CL) with complete ferrule (CLF) and partial ferrule (CLPF) with three different post and core systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study, 100 maxillary premolars were assigned to the following 10 groups according to their preparation approach and type of post and core system (n = 10): (I) control (intact teeth), (II) prefabricated fiber post (PFP) and composite core with CMR (PFP-CMR), (III) polyethylene fiber-reinforced composite (PEFRC) with CMR (PEFRC-CMR), (IV) casting post (CP) and core with CMR (CP-CMR), (V) PFP-CLPF, (VI) PEFRC-CLPF, (VII) CP-CLPF, (VIII) PFP-CLF, (IX) PEFRC-CLF, and (X) CP-CLF. After thermomechanical loading, the fracture resistance and failure mode were assessed. Data were analyzed statistically (α = 0.05). RESULTS: In all post and core systems, the CLPF approach had lower fracture resistance than CMR (p < 0.05); CLF showed higher fracture resistance than CLPF only in the PFP system (p = 0.038). In PEFRC and CP systems, the difference between CLF and CLPF was not significant (p > 0.05). No significant difference was found in fracture resistance of different post and core systems with the same preparation approach (p > 0.05). CLPF showed the highest frequency of favorable, and CLF showed the highest frequency of unfavorable fractures. CONCLUSION: CLPF yielded lower fracture resistance than CMR. The difference in fracture resistance was not significant between CLF and CMR but the frequency of unfavorable fractures was higher in CLF than in other groups.

Biomechanical behavior of weakened roots restored with custom-made post-and-cores of glass fiber and polyetheretherketone.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of post type and mechanical aging on compression force resistance, fracture pattern, and stress distribution in weakened roots. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bovine roots were endodontically treated and widened-and randomly divided into 8 groups (n = 10) according to post type (prefabricated glass fiber post and customized anatomic glass fiber post, milled glass fiber post-and-core, and milled polyetheretherketone post-and-core) and mechanical aging (without and with mechanical aging). Three hundred thousand cycles of mechanical fatigue were performed and compression force resistance (N) was analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (α = 0.05). Fracture patterns were reported and stress distribution was analyzed by finite elements analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant effect of post type (p = 0.032) and mechanical aging (p = 0.009), but no double interaction (p = 0.879). Higher values were recorded in the milled glass fiber and polyetheretherketone post-and-core groups compared to the prefabricated glass fiber post groups, and no significant difference was found among anatomic glass fiber post groups and other groups. Reparable fractures were predominant in the milled glass fiber and polyetheretherketone post-and-core groups. Prefabricated glass fiber posts and milled polyetheretherketone post-and-cores showed similar stress distribution. CONCLUSIONS: Post type and mechanical aging influence the compression force resistance and fracture pattern of weakened roots. Milled glass fiber and polyetheretherketone post-and-cores exhibited higher compression force resistance and more reparable fractures compared to prefabricated glass fiber posts. Prefabricated glass fiber posts and milled polyetheretherketone post-and-cores showed similar stress distribution.

Influence of different intraradicular chemical pretreatments on the bond strength of adhesive interface between dentine and fiber post cements: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Systematic review and network meta-analyses were performed to answer the question: Do intraradicular chemical pretreatments affect the bond strength of the adhesive interface between dentine and fiber post cements? A literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, BBO, and Cochrane Library in October 2018 (updated September 2021). In vitro studies that compared the bond strength assessed by push-out tests following at least two dentine chemical treatments prior to fiber post cementation were included. Risk of bias was evaluated. A random-effects Bayesian-mixed treatment comparison model was used to compare push-out bond strength of different chemical pretreatments. SUCRA (surface area under the cumulative ranking) analysis was performed to rank the pretreatments. After removing duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, 61 studies remained. SUCRA analysis showed that the best bond strength values for self-etch, etch-and-rinse, and self-adhesive cements were ethyl acetate (SUCRA: 99.8%), low concentration NaOCl (SUCRA: 83.4%), and grape seed extract (SUCRA: 97.6%), respectively. According to the SUCRA rankings, ethanol was in a good position for all adhesive strategies (SUCRA: 78.6%). The use of chemical pretreatments in intraradicular dentine of endodontically treated teeth depends on the adhesive and cementation strategy. The pretreatment generally associated with the highest bond strength was ethanol.

Influence of post type on periapical status: a prospective study in a Brazilian population.

OBJECTIVES: This prospective study assessed the effect of post type used to restore endodontically treated teeth in the onset, progression, and remission of periapical lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty teeth (92 patients) were endodontically treated and received a glass fiber post or a cast metal post and a final restoration at a University Clinic by undergraduate students. All patients were followed up for a mean period of 5.1 ± 2.2 years. Periapical Index (PAI) was used for endodontic assessment. Two calibrated and blind examiners assessed the radiographs. The longevity of the endodontic treatment was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier statistics. RESULTS: Of the included teeth, 67.1% received glass fiber posts while 32.9% received cast metal posts. There were 4 endodontic failures, two glass fiber posts with a PAI = 3 in the baseline and PAI = 4 in the last follow-up, and one PAI = 4 in baseline and last follow-up. One cast metal post-failure was PAI = 4 in the baseline and the last follow-up. After 9.4 years, the overall success rate of the endodontic treatment was 97.1% (p = 0.7). CONCLUSIONS: The tested posts presented similar endodontic healing. Precautions taken during endodontic therapy, post cementation, and final restoration are more likely to be responsible for the success of endodontic treatment rather than a specific type of post. Clinical relevance The type of post is not related to the success of the endodontic treatment.

Stress distribution of a novel bundle fiber post with curved roots and oval canals.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the stress distribution of teeth with curved and straight roots with oval and round canals restored with the bundle and conventional post systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six three-dimensional premolars were modeled with round and oval canals, and curved roots using the software. The bundle post and the round posts were modeled. All post models were placed on the canals. The models were subjected to 200 N oblique loading. The results were evaluated by von Mises stresses. RESULTS: This study demonstrated that the bundle post showed higher stress values compared to the conventional post. The stresses in the oval canal were higher than those in the round canal. The highest stress values were found in the curved roots. The stress distribution on the curved roots was observed in the middle and apical third of the canal. CONCLUSION: The bundle post presented higher stress compared to conventional posts. Besides, a more uniform stress distribution was observed in the bundle groups. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: When a post was required in extremely irregular, wide canals and curved roots, the bundle post was the material of choice. Canal and root morphology influenced stress distribution.

Bone and gingival tissue thicknesses of maxillary anterior teeth with and without a metal post: a cone beam computed tomographic study.

The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate buccal bone and gingival thickness measurements obtained from cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images of maxillary anterior teeth with and without metal posts. A convenience sample of 71 CBCT images of healthy maxillary anterior teeth and 61 CBCT images of maxillary anterior teeth with a metal post were selected from a database. Eight tomographic measurements (4 bone thicknesses and 4 gingival thicknesses) were performed in the parasagittal section of each tooth, perpendicular to the tooth axis. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare these thicknesses, and the Spearman correlation coefficient was calculated for correlation of age with sex. Statistically significant differences were observed for almost all measurements (P < 0.05); the CBCT images of teeth with metal posts displayed lower bone thickness values and higher gingival thickness values. No statistically significant correlations were observed between the thickness measurements and age. However, significantly higher bone thickness values were observed in men (P < 0.05). Cone beam computed tomographic images of teeth with metal posts showed differences in mean bone and gingival measurements compared to teeth without metal posts, suggesting a possible interference of metal artifacts.

In Vitro Evaluation of Bond Strength to Dentin of Two Post Systems: Computer-aided Design and Computer-aided Manufacturing Fiber Posts vs Splendor Single Adjustable Post.

AIM: To assess dentin-post bond strength and mode of failure through tensile strength testing of two endodontic post systems: CAD/CAM custom-milled fiber posts vs Splendor SAP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars were sectioned 2 mm coronal to the cementoenamel junction. Root length was standardized at 15 mm, and the root canals were instrumented with #20 K-files followed by 30/0.03 and 30/0.05 ProDesign Logic rotary files, under irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl, and then submitted to final irrigation with 17% EDTA. Canals were filled with gutta-percha and AH PLUS sealer. After 24 hours, the teeth were prepared for post placement to a depth of 10 mm and randomly allocated into two experimental groups (n = 15): CAD/CAM (CC) and Splendor SAP (SS). All posts were cemented with RelyX U200 dual-cure self-adhesive resin cement. The roots were embedded in acrylic resin, and the specimens were stored for 7 days in moist heat (37°C). Tensile strength testing until failure was then performed in a universal testing machine using a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute. The final failure load was tabulated for statistical analysis, and the G test was used to compare the failure modes observed under light microscopy (5× magnification). RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups regarding tensile bond strength to root dentin (p = 0.325). Conversely, failure mode differed significantly between groups (p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: The tensile bond strength observed for the CAD/CAM and Splendor SAP post systems was similar. Adhesive failure was predominant in both groups; however, the CAD/CAM custom-milled fiber posts failed predominantly at the dentin-resin cement interface, whereas Splendor SAP posts failed mostly at the post-resin cement interface. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A strong post-dentin bond is a key to the success of dental restorations and prosthetic rehabilitation. In teeth with severe coronal decay and wide canals, both of the tested systems would be able to achieve good cervical fit.

Strengthening effect of different fiber placement designs on root canal treated and bleached premolars.

To evaluate the strengthening effect of five different fibers with different placement designs in root canal treated and intracoronally bleached premolars. Seventy extracted single-rooted premolars were distributed into 7 groups (G1-G7). Group 1 (G1) included the intact (I) teeth as the negative control. Group 2 (G2) included root canal treated, intra-coronally bleached and composite (C) restored teeth as the positive control. In the other five test groups after root canal treatment the teeth were intra-coronally bleached and fiber materials were placed into standard MOD cavities in the following different designs: an intracanal rigid fiber/Reforpost (G3,RF), an intracanal flexible fiber/ Everstick (G4, FF), four intracanal flexible pin fibers/Dentapreg Pin (G5,PF), an intercuspal flexible fiber /Dentapreg SFU (G6, IF) or an intra-coronal horseshoe-shaped/ Dentapreg SFU (G7,CF). All cavities were filled with a microfilled resin composite. Fracture resistance was tested using a universal testing machine under a crosshead speed of 1 mm/minute. One-way ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range tests were used for statistical analysis. Fracture types were recorded. The fracture resistance values in descending order were G1(I): 1190.97 N > G6 (IF): 1138.78 N > G5 (PF): 942.45 N > G3 (RF): 737.40 N > G4 (FF):694.29 N > G2 (C): 611.83 N > G7 (CF): 542.78 N. There were statistically significant differences among the groups (p ≤ 0.05). In all groups, repairable coronal oblique fractures were mostly observed. Flexible fibers placed intercuspally exhibited a significantly better strengthening effect than those of the intracanal flexible and rigid fibers (p < 0.05).

Influence of glass fiber posts on the fracture susceptibility of endodontically treated maxillary anterior teeth with direct veneers: Preliminary results of a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the influence of glass fiber posts on fracture susceptibility of endodontically treated maxillary anterior teeth with direct veneers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty participants had 1 maxillary anterior tooth restored with a direct veneer. They were divided into 2 groups (n = 25) according to the use of intraradicular glass fiber posts. Clinical evaluation was performed at baseline, 6 and 12 months. The treatment success was determined by the absence of tooth fracture. If there was fracture, it was classified according to its extent. Fischer exact test was performed to analyze the criteria among the groups at each evaluation time. Friedman repeated analysis of variance assessed the difference in the performance of each group at three recall times (α = 0.5). RESULTS: For control group, at the 6-month follow-up, one tooth had suffered a catastrophic failure, which resulted in tooth extraction. Fisher statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the cumulative success rate of the groups for the 6 (P > .999) and the 12-month (P > .999) period. Friedman test showed no significant difference among the periods of evaluation (P > .999). CONCLUSIONS: Both groups had a similar success rate for maxillary anterior endodontically treated teeth with direct veneers after 12 months. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Glass fiber post use does not influence the fracture susceptibility of maxillary anterior endodontically treated teeth with direct veneers in the short term.

One-piece, CAD/CAM, fiber-reinforced composite post and core: a case report.

Prefabricated glass fiber-reinforced composite posts have been widely used because of their esthetic properties and favorable biomechanical behavior; however, because they are prefabricated, they may not adapt to the anatomy of all root canals. This case report describes a procedure for restoring teeth with a custom, 1-piece, fiber-reinforced composite post and core fabricated using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). The excellent adaptation of this custom endodontic post enables the use of a thinner, homogenous cement layer; in addition, it eliminates the need to construct a composite resin core build-up. Although more clinical and in vitro studies are needed to better define the appropriate clinical protocols and assess various materials, CAD/CAM technology allows post and core restorations to be manufactured in a predictable and simplified way.

Customized fiber posts in root canals prepared with and without laser application: a pull-out evaluation.

This study evaluated the effect of fiber post customization and laser application on the results of pull-out tests in endodontically treated teeth. Forty-eight bovine incisors were stored in aqueous 2% formaldehyde (pH 7.0) for 30 days. At the end of the storage period, the incisors were scraped with No. 11/12 periodontal curettes, rinsed with water and sodium bicarbonate, and stored in 0.9% saline solution for 7 days. Roots with similar shape and dimensions were selected and sectioned to a standard 17-mm length. Root canals were prepared and filled to a depth of 12 mm. The roots were divided into 4 groups (n = 12): 1, conventional fiber post and no laser application; 2, customized fiber post and no laser application; 3, conventional fiber post and laser application; and 4, customized fiber post and laser application. After removal of the obturation material for post space preparation, the canals were enlarged, and a laser beam was applied to the roots of teeth in groups 3 and 4 as an auxiliary disinfection procedure. After cementation of the posts, a pull-out test was performed using an axial tensile load at 0.5 mm/min in a universal testing machine. Analysis of variance and the Tukey test were used for statistical analysis of the results. The mean (SD) maximum tensile force was 10.18 (4.73) kgf in group 1, 38.89 (6.49) kgf in group 2, 27.74 (10.07) kgf in group 3, and 38.92 (6.89) kgf in group 4. These values were significantly higher in groups 2 and 4 than in group 1 (P < 0.05). The customization of fiber posts used for the restoration of pulpless teeth resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) greater pull-out test values, a thinner cement layer, and improved retention.

Comparing Techniques for Removing Fiber Endodontic Posts: A Systematic Review.

AIM: This systematic review aimed to establish the available techniques for fiber post removal, pointing out where each method stands out evaluating its advantages, and where they fall short indicating the possible harmful effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020193799). A broad search of the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Virtual Health Library was carried out before April 27, 2020, for in vitro studies about techniques for removing fiber posts luted with resin cements of endodontically treated teeth. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated based on the critical assessment tool for in vitro studies. RESULTS: Thirteen articles were selected and included after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All included studies received an assessment of methodological quality between high and moderate. Most studies used ultrasonic inserts as a strategy to remove fiber posts, manufactured removal kits and drills were also widely used, only one study evaluated the removal capacity of the Er:YAG laser. Ultrasonic inserts seem to lead to a greater working time for removal of the fiber post, tend to generate significant volume changes in the root structure and increase the temperature on the root canal and clean the root canal walls further. CONCLUSION: Although the results tend to show greater agility in removing fiber posts with manufactured removal kits and the ultrasonic inserts seem to work better in removing fiber remains and luting agent, there is still no consensus in the literature as to which technique is the best. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In some cases, clinicians may be faced with the need to remove fiber posts in order to regain access to the root canal due to the need for endodontic retreatment which directly implies the search for the most appropriate removal technique. How to cite this article: Purger LO, Tavares SJO, Martinez RLCH, et al. Comparing Techniques for Removing Fiber Endodontic Posts: A Systematic Review. J Contemp Dent Pract 2021;22(5):587-595.

Effect of glass fiber post customization on the mechanical properties of resin cement and underlying dentin.

This study evaluated the Martens hardness (HM) and elastic modulus (EIT) of resin cement and dentin underlying the bonding interface of customized glass fiber posts luted to intraradicular dentin and subjected to mechanical cycling. Two null hypotheses were tested: (1) no differences in the mechanical properties (HM and EIT) of the resin cement and underlying dentin would be found between customized and noncustomized glass fiber post groups, with or without mechanical cycling; and (2) no differences in the mechanical properties of the resin cement or underlying dentin would be found between the cervical, middle, and apical thirds of the intraradicular dentin. Forty single-rooted premolars were divided into 4 groups: customized or noncustomized glass fiber post, with or without mechanical cycling. The noncustomized posts were cemented in their original state to prepared canals, while the customized posts were modified with composite resin according to the geometry of the root canal. The specimens in the mechanical cycling groups were positioned at a 45-degree angle in an electromechanical fatigue testing machine and subjected to loading with a steel tip with a 4-mm diameter for 1,200,000 cycles at 50 N. After the specimens were prepared according to the appropriate group protocol, they were sectioned into thirds, and HM and EIT values of the resin cement and dentin underlying the bonding interface were determined using an ultramicrohardness tester under a load of 5 mN. A 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey test was performed. For resin cement in the cervical region, the highest HM and EIT values were observed in the noncustomized group after mechanical cycling. Similarly, in the underlying dentin, specimens in the noncustomized group after mechanical cycling had the highest HM values in the cervical region. Therefore, customization of glass fiber posts with composite resin is not essential for bonding to intraradicular dentin.

Evaluating efficacy of different post materials and lengths on bonding strength between root canal dentin and post restorations: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: During post restoration, different root structures require several types of posts to increase duration of their clinical use. Several materials have been investigated to enhance their quality and optimize their length according to the available root canal. AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of zirconia, fiber, and ceromer posts with 3- and 6-mm post sizes on the bonding strength of them to root canal dentinal wall with the means of pull-out bond strength test. METHODS: Forty-eight single-rooted mandibular human premolar teeth were collected and prepared for this in vitro study. With resin cement, 3- and 6-mm study posts including zirconia, fiber, and ceromer were luted to prepare teeth. For the retention testing, the pull-out force was applied to each specimen parallel to longitudinal axis of both the post and tooth. RESULTS: Both type of materials and size of posts changed the value of bonding strength. In all the post types, 6-mm ones performed better. Overall, the best bonding strength was obtained with fiber posts and the better bonding strength was obtained with zirconia; however, ceromer provided the least bonding strength. CONCLUSION: Current experiments supported that 6-mm post size can increase the bonding between root canal dentin and studied posts. When considering post materials, fiber provided the best bonding strength in current laboratory setup. Second, zirconia had meaningfully acceptable bonding strength; however, the bonding strength of ceromer posts was not favorable. Further studies optimizing post fabrication techniques of root materials may increase the bonding strength of posts to human dentin to an acceptable clinical degree.

The Influence of Post System Design and Material on the Biomechanical Behavior of Teeth with Little Remaining Coronal Structure.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of different post systems on the biomechanical behavior of teeth with a severe loss of remaining coronal structure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty standardized bovine teeth (n = 10 per group) were restored with: cast post-and-core (CPC), prefabricated metallic post (PFM), parallel glass-fiber post (P-FP), conical glass-fiber post (C-FP), or composite core (no post, CC). The survival rate during thermomechanical challenging (TC), the fracture strength (FS), and failure patterns (FP) were evaluated. Finite element models evaluated the stress distribution after the application of 100 N. RESULTS: All specimens survived TC. Similar FS was observed among post-containing groups. Groups P-FP and CC presented 100% repairable fractures. The von Mises analysis showed the maximum stresses into the root canal in groups restored with metallic posts. Glass-fiber posts and CC presented the maximum stresses at the load contact point. Glass-fiber groups showed lower stresses in the analysis of maximal contact pressure; CPC led to the highest values of contact pressure. The modified von Mises (mvM) stress in dentin did not show differences among groups. Moreover, mvM values did not reach the dentin fracture limit for any group. CONCLUSIONS: The type of intracanal post had a relevant influence on the biomechanical behavior of teeth with little remaining coronal structure.

A new classification system for the restoration of root filled teeth.

The aim of this report is to (i) review the current literature on the status of root filled teeth, (ii) analyse the most important factors in decision-making, (iii) discuss the current restorative concepts, and (iv) classify both the evidence and clinical practice in a way that seeks to be clear, understandable and helpful for clinicians. Restoration of root filled teeth represents a challenge for the clinician and remains a controversial subject. The guidelines describe a new classification that is drawn from evidence presented in the literature and also from clinical expertise-based reviews. It describes five categories of teeth.

Computer-aided design finite element modeling of different approaches to rehabilitate endodontically treated teeth.

BACKGROUND: Carious lesions and dental fractures cause weakening in the dental structure. In these situations, endodontic treatment and prosthetic rehabilitation using an intraradicular post are indicated. However, the postspace preparation of the root canal further weakens the dental remnant, especially if there is no ferrule present. This study aimed to evaluate the stress distribution in endodontically treated upper premolars treated with different rehabilitation approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An endodontically treated first upper premolar was modeled for finite element analysis. Three different approaches were carried out on this model: rehabilitation with fiberglass post (FCP), endocrown (ECW), or buildup. The models were exported in STEP format to the analysis software (ANSYS 17.2, ANSYS Inc., Houston, TX, USA). The solids were considered isotropic, homogeneous, and linearly elastic. A mechanical, structural static analysis was used as the criterion of maximum principal stress to show regions under tensile stress to evaluate the stress distribution in the restoration, cementation line, and root. A load of 400 N (90°) was applied to the lingual triangular ridge. The values of maximum principal stress in MPa were evaluated through colorimetric graphs. RESULTS: Similar stress concentration was observed for all groups. However, the ECW group presented higher values in the restoration/cement interface and root dentin. CONCLUSIONS: All the treatment modalities had favorable mechanical behavior to support the masticatory loads; nevertheless, the ECW group presented a higher risk of detachment failure.