Marginal adaptation and fracture resistance of feldspathic and polymer-infiltrated ceramic network CAD/CAM endocrowns for maxillary premolars.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the marginal adaptation and fracture resistance of feldspathic and Polymer-Infiltrated Ceramic Network (PICN) CAD/CAM endocrowns for maxillary premolars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty extracted human permanent maxillary premolars were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10); Group CEREC (GC), which was produced by feldspathic ceramic and the Group Enamic (GE), which was produced by PICN. All teeth were endodontically treated and decoronated horizontally at 2 mm above the cemento-enamel junction. Endocrown preparations were done with 4 mm depth into the pulp chamber. Endocrowns were manufactured using CAD/CAM from ceramic blocks. Following adhesive cementation, all specimens were subjected to thermocycling. Marginal adaptation evaluated under SEM at 200 × magnification. Each specimen was fixed in a universal testing machine and a compressive load was applied at 45° to long axis of the teeth until failure. Failure load was recorded and failure modes were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 19.0 software and data were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the marginal adaptation between two groups (P > 0.05). GE presented significantly higher fracture resistance when compared to GC (P < 0.05). Failure pattern was similar and characterized by the tooth-ceramic fracture on the force-applied side. CONCLUSIONS: CAD/CAM fabricated feldspathic ceramic and PICN endocrowns provide sufficient marginal adaptation, but the PICN endocrowns shows higher fracture resistance than the feldspathic ceramic endocrowns.

Fracture Strength and Stress Distribution in Premolars Restored with Cast Post-and-Cores or Glass-Fiber Posts Considering the Influence of Ferule.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of ferule and the post type on the fracture strength and stress distribution in premolars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty human mandibular premolars were decoronated, allocated in four groups, and restored as follows: CPC-NF: cast post-and-core and absence of ferule; CPC-F: cast post-and-core and presence of ferule; FPC-NF: glass-fiber posts and absence of ferule; FPC-F: glass-fiber posts and presence of ferule. The fracture strength (FS) and failure patterns were evaluated. Finite element analysis (FEA) evaluated the stress distribution. RESULTS: FS did not differ between CPCs and FPC either in presence or in absence of ferule. The presence of ferule increased FS with both post types. Mean values of FS for ferule groups were higher than functional or parafunctional loads reported in literature, which was not the case for FPC-NF when compared to parafunctional loads. FEA with a functional load showed slightly higher compressive stresses in dentin in the group CPC-NF, which was much lower than the compressive strength of dentin. Lower percentage of catastrophic failures was observed in nonferule groups irrespective of post type, which was explained by the stress concentration in the cervical root region when FEA with the FS load was simulated. CONCLUSION: Ferule effect was shown to be more important than post type in the analysis. Both posts showed potential to withstand functional loads irrespective of presence of ferule. However, the mean FS was lower than parafunctional loads for FPC in the absence of ferule.

Three-dimensional modeling of removal torque and fracture progression around implants.

In the present study, a model for simulations of removal torque experiments was developed using finite element method. The interfacial retention and fracturing of the surrounding material caused by the surface features during torque was analyzed. It was hypothesized that the progression of removal torque and the phases identified in the torque response plot represents sequential fractures at the interface. The 3-dimensional finite element model fairly accurately predicts the torque required to break the fixation of acid-etched implants, and also provides insight to how sequential fractures progress downwards along the implant side.

Evaluation of fracture resistance in root canal-treated teeth restored using different techniques.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different coronal restoration techniques on fracture resistance of root canal-treated mandibular premolars with mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 105 mandibular premolars were selected and randomly distributed into seven groups (n = 15). MOD cavities were prepared except the control group. Root canal treatments were performed. Each tooth was embedded in acrylic resin. Groups were classified as follows; G1: intact teeth (control), G2: unfilled MOD cavity, G3: MOD + composite resin, G4: 10-mm-long fiber post + composite resin, G5: 5-mm-long fiber post + composite resin, G6: Ribbond in the occlusal surface + composite resin, and G7: horizontal fiber post + composite resin. Specimens were loaded using a universal testing machine until fracture occurs. Fracture loads were recorded and statistical interpretations were made (α = 0.05). RESULTS: In Groups 1, 6, and 7, the greatest fracture resistance was shown and there were no significant differences among these groups (P > 0.05). No significant differences were detected among the Groups 3, 4, and 5 (P > 0.05), whereas the fracture resistances of Groups 1, 6, and 7 were significantly greater than these three groups (P < 0.05). Group 2 had the lowest fracture resistance of all groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Usage of horizontal post or occlusal Ribbond usage increased the fracture resistance of root canal-treated premolars with MOD cavities.

Effect of hydration and crack orientation on crack-tip strain, crack opening displacement and crack-tip shielding in elephant dentin.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the extent of crack-tip plasticity, crack opening displacement (COD) and crack bridging for crack growth perpendicular (HAH) and parallel (RAR) to the tubules in elephant dentin under both hydrated and dry conditions to better understand their influence on intrinsic and extrinsic toughening during crack growth. METHODS: Compact tension test-pieces were prepared from a tusk of African elephant ivory. Crack-tip strain mapping and COD measurements by digital image correlation (DIC) technique were made under incremental loading and unloading of cracks for hydrated and dry dentin of different orientations. RESULTS: For the RAR test-piece the plastic zones were significantly larger in the hydrated condition compared to when dry. By contrast, the plastic strains in the HAH test-piece were negligible in both wet and dry conditions. In the RAR condition the crack front was broken up into overlapping longitudinal 'fingers' with crack bridging regions in between, the ligaments extending 400µm behind the crack front in the dry case. This could only be seen in 3D by X-ray CT. Extrinsic shielding reduces the crack-tip stresses by 52% and 40% for hydrated and dry RAR test-pieces respectively. No significant bridging was found in the HAH case. SIGNIFICANCE: For crack growth parallel to the tubules, collagen plasticity determines the intrinsic toughening, whereas microcracking from the tubules governs extrinsic shielding via ligament bridging, which is maintained further behind the crack in the hydrated case. For cracks grown perpendicular to the tubules, neither toughening mechanisms are significant.

Hierarchical microcrack model for materials exemplified at enamel.

OBJECTIVE: This article investigates the mechanical properties of a material with hierarchically arranged microcracks. METHODS: Hierarchically structured biomaterials such as enamel exhibit superior mechanical properties as being stiff and damage tolerant at the same time. The common mechanical explanation for this behavior is based on the hierarchically structured arrangement of hard minerals and soft organics and their cooperative deformation mechanisms. In situ mechanical experiments with mm-sized bovine enamel bending bars an scanning electron microscope reveal that enamel is able to withstand mechanical loading even if it contains microcracks on different lengths scales. To clarify this issue an analytical hierarchical microcrack model of non-interacting cracks is presented. RESULTS AND SIGNIFICANCE: The model predicts a decrease of the elastic modulus and the fracture strength with increasing levels of hierarchy. The fracture strain on the other hand may decrease or increase with the number of hierarchical levels, depending on the microcrack density. This simple hierarchical microcrack model is able to explain already published experiments with focused ion beam prepared µm-sized enamel cantilevers on different hierarchical levels. In addition it is shown that microcracking during loading in hierarchical materials may lead to substantial pseudoplastic behavior.

The compression dome concept: the restorative implications.

Evidence now supports the concept that the enamel on a tooth acts like a compression dome, much like the dome of a cathedral. With an overlying enamel compression dome, the underlying dentin is protected from damaging tensile forces. Disruption of a compression system leads to significant shifts in load pathways. The clinical restorative implications are significant and far-reaching. Cutting the wrong areas of a tooth exposes the underlying dentin to tensile forces that exceed natural design parameters. These forces lead to crack propagation, causing flexural pain and eventual fracture and loss of tooth structure. Improved understanding of the microanatomy of tooth structure and where it is safe to cut teeth has led to a revolution in dentistry that is known by several names, including microdentistry, minimally invasive dentistry, biomimetic dentistry, and bioemulation dentistry. These treatment concepts have developed due to a coalescence of principles of tooth microanatomy, material science, adhesive dentistry, and reinforcing techniques that, when applied together, will allow dentists to repair a compromised compression dome so that it more closely replicates the structure of the healthy tooth.

Effect of final irrigation procedures on fracture resistance of root filled teeth: an ex vivo study.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of chlorhexidine (CHX) on fracture resistance of roots treated with different concentrations of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). METHODOLOGY: One hundred and twenty intact single-rooted premolar teeth were sectioned below the cementum-enamel junction to standardize the length of the teeth to 12 mm. The canals of one hundred specimens were instrumented with ProTaper Universal rotary instruments up to size F4 and were randomly divided into five groups (n = 20) according to the final irrigating solutions: Group 1: distilled water (DW); Group 2: 5% EDTA and 2.5% NaOCl; Group 3: 17% EDTA and 2.5% NaOCl; Group 4: 5% EDTA, 2.5% NaOCl, DW and 2% CHX; Group 5: 17% EDTA and 2.5% NaOCl, DW and 2% CHX. Root canals were filled with gutta-percha and epoxy resin-based root canal sealer using a single-cone technique. Twenty teeth served as negative controls and were not instrumented nor root filled (Group 6). All specimens were embedded in self-curing acrylic resin and loaded vertically at 0.5 mm min-1 until fracture occurred. The data were evaluated statistically using one-way anova test followed by Holm-Sidak's multiple comparison test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Group 1 (only DW) had the lowest vertical fracture strength, followed by Group 3 (17% EDTA and 2.5% NaOCl; P < 0.05). Group 6 (negative control group) had the highest fracture resistance. Final irrigation with CHX following irrigation with 17% EDTA or 5% EDTA and 2.5% NaOCl (groups 4 and 5) significantly increased the fracture resistance of roots (P < 0.05). However, the difference between Group 4 and Group 5 was not significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intracanal CHX rinse of EDTA/NaOCl-treated root dentine enhanced the fracture resistance of roots filled with AH Plus.

Influence of polymerisation method and type of fibre on fracture strength of endodontically treated teeth.

The aim of this study was to investigate (i) the effect of direct or indirect polymerisation of adhesive-impregnated ribbon fibre under 4-mm bulk-filled composites on fracture strength; (ii) to compare polyethylene ribbon fibre-reinforcement composites with short fibre-reinforced composite; and (iii) the effectiveness of polyethylene ribbon fibre according to the restorative materials used (low-viscous bulk-fill composite, high-viscous flowable composite or conventional paste composite). Seventy molars were divided into seven groups; (groups 1-2) Ribbond-reinforced Surefil-SDR; (group 3) Ribbond-reinforced G Aenial Flo; (group 4) Ribbond-reinforced G Aenial Posterior; (group 5) short fibre-reinforced composite everX Posterior; (group 6) unfilled cavity; (group 7) intact teeth. Ribbond was adopted to cavity walls by impregnating an adhesive and using a flowable composite. In group 1, adhesive-impregnated Ribbond was polymerised directly using a light-curing-unit, and indirectly in group 2 under 4-mm bulk-filled composite. Direct or indirect polymerisation of adhesive impregnated ribbon fibre under 4-mm bulk-filled composite did not change the fracture strength results. Polyethylene ribbon fibre-reinforced groups (groups 1-4) and short fibre-reinforced composite group (group 5) displayed similar results. Polyethylene ribbon fibre can be used safely under 4-mm bulk-filled composites. Ribbond-reinforced low-viscous bulk-fill, high-viscous flowable, and conventional paste composite exhibited similar fracture strength results.

Root Fracture of Abutment Teeth for Partial Removable Dental Prostheses.

PURPOSE: Root fracture is a common and serious cause of abutment tooth loss. No studies to date have comprehensively assessed the individual contributions of the factors that increase stress on abutment teeth. The purpose of this study was to analyze the stress distribution in abutment teeth based on a three-dimensional finite element model and to analyze the factors that affect stress distribution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Models were generated from the computed tomography data of a single patient, consisting of a mandibular second premolar abutment tooth, bone, residual mucous membrane, and a partial removable dental prosthesis (PRDP). Four models were prepared using different types of endodontic posts and cores. Akers clasps were used for the simulated PRDPs, and a vertical load was applied to the occlusal surface of the PRDPs. Debonding between the post and root was simulated. The Young modulus of the residual ridge was reduced to simulate a poor fit between the denture base and the residual ridge. Stress distribution in the abutment tooth root was observed, and the maximum principal stress was evaluated. RESULTS: The nonmetal post model and the mesial rest model reduced stress concentration in the root. The stress increased in models simulating debonding and poor fit. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that debonding and poor fit were significantly associated with root stress. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it is suggested that the bonding integrity of posts and adequate fit of the denture base are important factors affecting the longevity of abutment teeth for PRDPs.

Regenerative Endodontic Procedures for Traumatized Teeth after Horizontal Root Fracture, Avulsion, and Perforating Root Resorption.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic injury to the teeth can cause horizontal root fractures and inflammatory root resorptions (external and internal). Traditionally, traumatized teeth with horizontal root fractures resulting in pulp necrosis and inflammatory root resorptions are treated with conventional root canal therapy. METHODS: A 15-year-old boy had a history of traumatic injury to mature tooth #8 resulting in horizontal root fracture and pulp necrosis of the coronal fragment. A 7-year-old girl suffered an avulsion injury to immature tooth #9, which developed inflammatory replacement resorption and subsequently root fractured 15 months later. Another 16-year-old boy also suffered a history of traumatic injury to mature tooth #8, resulting in perforating root resorption. All teeth were treated with regenerative endodontic procedures using chemomechanical debridement, calcium hydroxide/triple antibiotic paste dressing, EDTA rinse, induction of periapical bleeding into the canal space, and a coronal mineral trioxide aggregate plug. In the tooth presenting with horizontal root fracture, only the coronal fragment was treated to preserve pulp vitality in the apical fragment for possible pulp tissue regeneration. RESULTS: After regenerative endodontic procedures, clinical signs/symptoms subsided, and inflammatory osteolytic lesions resolved in all traumatized teeth. Two teeth were followed for 19 months and 1 tooth for 5 years. At the last review of the teeth with horizontal root fractures, the first case showed healing by calcified tissue and the second case showed healing by fibrous connective and hard tissue. Tooth with perforating root resorption demonstrated a decrease in size of the resorptive defect. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these case reports, regenerative endodontic procedures have the potential to be used to treat traumatized teeth with horizontal root fracture and inflammatory root resorption.

Fracture Strength of Endodontically Treated Teeth Restored with Composite Overlays with and without Glass-fiber Reinforcement.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the fracture strength and the failure mode of endodontically treated teeth restored with composite resin overlays with and without glass-fiber reinforcement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 extracted molars were divided into four equal groups. In the NFR-NFRC (no foundation restoration, no fiber-reinforced composite) and NFR-FRC (no foundation restoration, fiber-reinforced composite) groups, only a 5-mm-thick composite resin layer sealed the pulp chamber floors, whereas in the FR-NFRC (foundation restoration, no fiber-reinforced composite) and FR-FRC (foundation restoration, fiber-reinforced composite) groups, a 3.0-mm foundation restoration was used. NFR-NFRC and FR-NFRC groups were restored with composite resin overlays, whereas NFR-FRC and FR-FRC groups were restored with fiber-reinforced composite resin overlays. All specimens were subjected to mechanical loading in a computer-controlled masticator and then the fracture resistance was evaluated. Differences in means were compared using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. The level of significance was set at ɑ = 0.05. RESULTS: All specimens successfully completed the fatigue test. The least fracture-resistant group was NFR-FRC, exceeded by FR-NFRC, NFR-NFRC, and FR-FRC, in that order, with FR-FRC being the most fracture-resistant group. Statistically significant differences were detected between the pairs NFR-NFRC/FR-FRC (p = 0.001), NFR-FRC/FR-FRC (p = 0.001), and FR-NFRC/FR-FRC (p = 0.001). Eight vertical root fractures occurred in group FR-NFRC, six in group NFR-NFRC, four in group NFR-FRC, and none occurred in group FR-FRC. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, the incorporation of glass fibers and the presence of a foundation restoration were found to increase the fracture resistance and can favorably influence the fracture mode.

Effect of Remaining Cavity Wall, Cervical Dentin, and Post on Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated, Composite Restored Premolars.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of remaining buccal cavity wall, remaining cervical tissue, and post on the fracture strength of endodontically treated restored premolars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Teeth were randomly allocated to 10 experimental groups (n=10) according to cavity design and presence or absence of post or to a control group. After thermal and mechanical aging, ramped loading until fracture was performed. RESULTS: A high cervical outline (417 N) and the presence of a post (189 N) increased fracture strength, but both factors together had an antagonistic effect of -218 N, resulting in a higher strength of not 606 N (417+189) but 388 N. The risk of catastrophic failure increased (OR=3.17) when a post was present.

Final Irrigation Regimens Affect Fracture Resistance Values of Root-filled Teeth.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of different final irrigation solutions on fracture resistance values (FRVs) of endodontically treated teeth. METHODS: Eighty extracted decoronated human incisors were used. Ten randomly selected roots were used as the negative control group. The remaining roots were prepared by the ProTaper system (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) up to F2. Ten prepared roots were selected as the positive control. The other prepared roots were divided into 6 (n = 10) groups according to the final irrigation solution used: 5 mL saline, 17% EDTA, EDTA with a surfactant (REDTA), chlorhexidine, QMix (Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK), and BioPure MTAD (Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties). In all groups, the final irrigation was performed for 1 minute except for the BioPure MTAD group; in this group, it was applied for 5 minutes according to the manufacturer's instructions. The specimens were filled with a single gutta-percha cone and AH 26 sealer (Dentsply, De Trey, Konstanz, Germany). After being stored under 37 °C and 100% humidity for a week, the specimens were loaded in a vertical direction at 1 mm/min speed until they were vertically fractured. The results were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Siegel Castellan tests. RESULTS: The negative control group showed the highest FRV. There were statistically significant differences between the negative and positive control groups (P < .05). Specimens irrigated with REDTA and QMix showed a higher FRV compared with the positive control group (P < .05). Specimens exposed to chlorhexidine and BioPure MTAD showed a lower FRV compared with the negative control group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Root canal preparation weakens the tooth. The final irrigation regimen has an impact on the FRV. A short time exposure to irrigation solutions (REDTA and QMix) that include surfactants probably contributed to the higher FRV, instead of a long time exposure as done with BioPure MTAD.

Effect of novel restorative materials and retention slots on fracture resistance of endodontically-treated teeth.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of endodontically-treated teeth restored with nano-hybrid composite resin, bulk-fill flowable and short fibre-reinforced-composite in the absence/presence of retention slots. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and ten extracted non-carious human mandibular molars received endodontic treatment followed by mesio-occlusodistal (MOD) cavities with 3 ± 0.2 mm thicknesses of buccal and lingual walls. Teeth were divided into two main groups according to the retention slot preparation. The dove-tail retention slots were prepared on the middle of opposite buccal and lingual walls to create mechanical interlocking. Each group was further divided into four sub-groups according to restorative material types: control (no restoration), nano-hybrid composite resin (Filtek™ Z550), bulk-fill flowable (Filtek™ Bulk Fill) and short fibre-reinforced-composite (everX Posterior™). Restored teeth were subjected to compressive load at a strain rate of 1 mm/min. The data were statistically analysed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: The fracture resistance was significantly affected by the presence of the retentive slots and restorative material (p < 0.05). Restored teeth with retentive slots significantly increased the fracture resistance compared with restored teeth without retentive slots (p < 0.05). Short fibre-reinforced-composite with retentive slot cavities had significantly higher fracture resistance values compared with the other test groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The preparation of retention slots may increase the fracture resistance of endodontically-treated teeth, especially, when restored with short fibre-reinforced composite. The use of short fibre-reinforced composite with retentive slots could be an alternative technique to prevent cuspal fracture on endodontically-treated teeth with MOD cavity.

Biomechanical Behavior of Extensively Restored Premolars: Cusp Deformation, Marginal Integrity, and Fracture Resistance.

PURPOSE: To study the biomechanical behavior of extensively restored premolars by determining the effect of the composite type, presence of cusp weakening, and compressive loading on the cusp deformation (CD), marginal integrity (MI), and fracture resistance (FR) of directly restored premolars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty premolars received Class II mesio-occlusal-distal (MOD) cavities and were divided into 4 groups (n = 10) in accordance with the two study variables: composite type (conventional: Filtek Z250 XT [Z250], 3M ESPE; low shrinkage: Venus Diamond [VD], Heraeus-Kulzer) and the presence of cusp weakening (with/without). Cusp deformation upon restoration was assessed using strain gauges during the restorative procedure and thereafter when the restorations were subjected to an occlusal load of 100 N. The samples were subjected to thermal and mechanical cycling. Epoxy resin replicas of the proximal tooth/restoration interfaces were made to analyze the marginal integrity (MI) using scanning electron microscopy. To determine the fracture resistance (FR), the teeth were loaded at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until fracture. RESULTS: The conventional composite Z250 had higher CD, lower MI, and lower FR than the low-shrinkage composite VD. Cusp weakening had no influence on CD, but MI and FR decreased. CONCLUSION: The low-shrinkage composite VD performed better in restoring extensively destroyed premolars than did Z250.

The effect of a fiber reinforced cavity configuration on load bearing capacity and failure mode of endodontically treated molars restored with CAD/CAM resin composite overlay restorations.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the fracture strength and the mode of failure of endodontically treated molars restored with CAD/CAM overlays with fiber reinforced composite build-up of the pulp chamber. METHODS: 40 Devitalized molars were cut over the CEJ and divided into five groups (n=8). The pulp chamber area was filled with: group 0 (control), no resin build-up; group 1, hybrid composite build-up (G-aenial posterior, GC); group 2, as in group 1 but covered with 3 nets of bi-directional E-glass fibers (EverStickNET, Stick Tech Ltd.); group 3, a FRC resin (EverX posterior, GC); group 4, as in group 3 but covered by the bi-directional fibers. The crowns were restored with CAD-CAM composite restorations (Lava Ultimate, 3M ESPE). Maximum fracture loads were recorded in Newton and data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test (p<0.05). Fragments were analyzed using SEM. RESULTS: The mean static loads in Newton were: group 0: 2448 (546); group 1: 2817 (873); group 2: 2128 (952); group 3: 2429 (1091); group 4: 2577 (833). No significant differences were found between the groups (p>0.05). All specimens fractured in a catastrophic way, under the CEJ. The main crack evolved in the corono-apical direction. In groups 2 and 4 secondary fracture paths with apico-coronal direction were detected close to the bi-directional fibers' layer. CONCLUSIONS: For the restoration of endodontically treated molars, the incorporation of FRCs did not influence the load-bearing capacity of the tooth-restoration complex. The SEM analysis showed a low ability of the bi-directional fibers net in deviating the fracture but this effect was not sufficient to lead more favorable fracture patterns, over the CEJ. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of FRCs to reinforce the "core" of devitalized molars against vertical fractures under static loads seems useless when the thickness of the CAD/CAM composite overlay restoration is high.

Strengthening effect of horizontally placed fiberglass posts in endodontically-treated teeth restored with direct resin composite.

PURPOSE: To assess the fracture strength of cavity preparations, directly restored with resin composite, with and without the presence of fiberglass posts with different diameters. METHODS: 84 extracted third molars were embedded in acrylic resin and divided into six groups (n = 14 per group): healthy (H); cavity preparation (P); cavity preparation + endodontic treatment (PE); PE + resin composite (R); PE + R + 2 horizontally transfixed fiberglass posts 1.1 mm in diameter (PERP1); PE + R + 2 fiberglass posts 1.5 mm in diameter (PERP2). The MOD cavity preparations were standardized with their width corresponding to 2/3 of the buccolingual distance and occlusogingival depth of 4 mm, with 2 mm remaining above the cemento-enamel junction. Endodontic treatments were performed in the PE, R, PERP1 and PERP2 groups. The buccal surface received two demarcations to create orifices for placement of the PERP1 and PERP2 posts. Once the fiberglass posts were placed, the teeth were restored with resin composite. In group R, only resin composite was used. After 24 hours, the teeth were subjected to the fracture toughness test on a universal testing machine. A 10 KN load cell and crosshead speed of 1 mm/minute was used until fracture occurred. After testing, the teeth were inspected for the type of fracture classified as: pulpal floor fracture (AP) or cuspal fracture (CP). RESULTS: The data were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey's test (P < 0.05%), demonstrating a statistical difference between groups: H 3830NA; P 778ND; PE 572.93ND; R 1782NC; PERP1 2988NB; PERP2 3100NAB. The fracture pattern was similar between the tested groups, showing 50% of fracture for cusps and pulpal floor.

Fracture resistance of compromised endodontically treated teeth restored with bonded post and cores: An in vitro study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: It is unclear which post and core system performs best when bonded to severely compromised endodontically treated teeth. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the fracture resistance and mode of failure of severely compromised teeth restored with 3 different adhesively bonded post and core systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty extracted endodontically treated maxillary anterior teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups, CPC, gold cast post and core; TPC, titanium prefabricated post/composite resin core; and FPC, quartz fiber reinforced post/composite resin core. All posts were adhesively cemented. All cores resembled a central incisor preparation with no remaining tooth structure above the finish line. Cast gold crowns were fabricated and cemented adhesively. The specimens were aged with thermocycling and cyclic loading. Two specimens per group were randomly selected for micro-computed tomographic imaging before and after aging. Failure was induced with a universal testing machine. The mode of failure was characterized by the interface separation. Data were analyzed with 1-way ANOVA (α=.05) followed by post hoc tests (Bonferroni). RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found among the 3 groups (P=.002). CPC was significantly different than TPC (P=.008) or FPC (P=.003). The primary mode of failure for CPC and TPC was root fracture, and for FPC post debonding. CONCLUSIONS: Severely compromised endodontically treated teeth restored with bonded gold cast post and cores showed significantly higher fracture resistance.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of endodontically treated teeth with weakened radicular walls restored with different protocols.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The restoration of weakened roots with glass fiber posts (GFPs) remains a challenge. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution of endodontically treated teeth with weakened radicular walls restored with different protocols by 3-dimensional finite element analysis (3D-FEA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The following 4 models of endodontically treated maxillary canines restored with metal ceramic crowns were simulated on the basis of computed microtomographic images to characterize the groups: GNW (control), a nonweakened root restored with a GFP; GW, a weakened root restored with a GFP; GDA, a weakened root restored with a direct anatomic GFP; and GIA, a weakened root restored with an indirect anatomic GFP. Loads of 180 N were applied to the lingual surface on the incisal third of the teeth at 45 degrees. The models were supported by a periodontal ligament and fixed in 3 axes (x=y=z=0). The von Mises stress (VMS) was calculated. RESULTS: All models exhibited VMS concentrations at the loading area and were distributed along the proximal surfaces of the root. The GFP exhibited a homogeneous stress distribution, and similar VMS distributions were observed in all of the reconstructive techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Similar stress distributions were observed in the endodontically treated teeth, regardless of root weakness and the reconstructive technique for the radicular walls.