Pathologic root migration secondary to vertical root fracture and full-coverage crowns: a report of 3 cases.

Occasionally, tooth fractures may demonstrate exaggerated pathologic root migration (PRM), often resulting in tooth loss. The early propagation of the root fracture may not be readily identifiable through clinical inspection and conventional radiographic imaging. Ultimately, increased root separation, isolated deep periodontal probing depth, and characteristic radiolucent changes may facilitate the diagnosis. This article describes 3 patients with unusual presentations of PRM in endodontically treated teeth restored with full-coverage crowns. One case illustrates the use of cone beam computed tomography for restorative assessment following root separation. Although it is efficacious to place crowns on most posterior endodontically treated teeth to maintain structural integrity, patients may remain at risk for catastrophic PRM and tooth loss. Timely extraction of teeth with hopeless PRM may minimize underlying bone resorption and the need for osseous regenerative procedures, ultimately improving the dental implant recipient site.

Metal endocrown approach for a maxillary second molar: a novel technique.

Nonvital teeth with repeated restoration failures are particularly challenging to dental practitioners. This case report describes the fabrication of a novel cast metal endocrown following the failure of 2 different types of restorations (post and core-retained crown and ceramic endocrown). This approach was used to preserve the tooth and avoid extraction.

Survival of extensively damaged endodontically treated incisors restored with different types of posts-and-core foundation restoration material.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Which post-and-core combination will best improve the performance of extensively damaged endodontically treated incisors without a ferrule is still unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the restoration of extensively damaged endodontically treated incisors without a ferrule using glass-ceramic crowns bonded to various composite resin foundation restorations and 2 types of posts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty decoronated endodontically treated bovine incisors without a ferrule were divided into 4 groups and restored with various post-and-core foundation restorations. NfPfB=no-ferrule (Nf) with glass-fiber post (Pf) and bulk-fill resin foundation restoration (B); NfPfP=no-ferrule (Nf) with glass-fiber post (Pf) and dual-polymerized composite resin core foundation restoration (P); NfPt=no-ferrule (Nf) with titanium post (Pt) and resin core foundation restoration; and NfPtB=no-ferrule (Nf) with titanium post (Pt) and bulk-fill resin core foundation restoration (B). Two additional groups from previously published data from the same authors (FPf=2mm of ferrule (F) and glass-fiber post (Pf) and composite resin core foundation restoration; and NfPf=no-ferrule (Nf) with glass-fiber post (Pf) and composite resin core foundation restoration), which were tested concomitantly and using the same experimental arrangement, were included for comparison. All teeth were prepared to receive bonded glass-ceramic crowns luted with dual-polymerized resin cement and were subjected to accelerated fatigue testing under submerged conditions at room temperature. Cyclic isometric loading was applied to the incisal edge at an angle of 30 degrees with a frequency of 5 Hz, beginning with a load of 100 N (5000 cycles). A 100-N load increase was applied every 15000 cycles. The specimens were loaded until failure or to a maximum of 1000 N (140000 cycles). The 6 groups (4 groups from the present study and 2 groups from the previously published study) were compared using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (log-rank post hoc test at α=.05 for pairwise comparisons). RESULTS: None of the tested specimen withstood all 140 000 cycles. All specimens without a ferrule were affected by an initial failure phenomenon (wide gap at the lingual margin between the core foundation restoration/crown assembly and the root). NfPfP, NfPt, and NfPtB had similar survival (29649 to 30987 mean cycles until initial failure). NfPfB outperformed NfPt and NfPtB. None of the post-and-core foundation restoration materials were able to match the performance of the ferrule group FPf (72667 cycles). In all groups, 100% of failures were catastrophic. CONCLUSIONS: The survival of extensively damaged endodontically treated incisors without a ferrule was slightly improved by the use of a fiber post with a bulk-fill composite resin core foundation restoration. However, none of the post-and-core techniques was able to compensate for the absence of a ferrule. The presence of the posts always adversely affected the failure mode.

Prefabricated Laser Sintered Composite Veneers and Occlusal Vertical Dimensions: Case Reports.

AIM: To highlight the concept of prefabricated veneers and occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) and series of case report using edelweiss prefabricated veneer system. BACKGROUND: Edelweiss prefabricated veneer system presents a concept of biofunctional esthetics using laser sintered composite resins. The system's biofunctionality and versatile area of application combined with its time and cost saving procedure make the Edelweiss veneer and occlusion system a sound investment for the future. CASE DESCRIPTION: A series of case reports treated using prefabricated laser sintered composite veneer system has been presented. CONCLUSION: Prefabricated veneer is a milestone in operative dentistry, as it contributes tremendously to direct composite application, helping a larger number of our patients to receive esthetic restorations that are more conservative and affordable. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The prefabricated composite veneering technique provides a minimally invasive, chair-side technique for esthetic and full mouth rehabilitation.

Single crowns versus conventional fillings for the restoration of root-filled teeth.

BACKGROUND: Endodontic treatment involves removal of the dental pulp and its replacement by a root canal filling. Restoration of root filled teeth can be challenging due to structural differences between vital and non-vital root-filled teeth. Direct restoration involves placement of a restorative material e.g. amalgam or composite, directly into the tooth. Indirect restorations consist of cast metal or ceramic (porcelain) crowns. The choice of restoration depends on the amount of remaining tooth, and may influence durability and cost. The decision to use a post and core in addition to the crown is clinician driven. The comparative clinical performance of crowns or conventional fillings used to restore root-filled teeth is unknown. This review updates the original, which was published in 2012. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of restoration of endodontically treated teeth (with or without post and core) by crowns versus conventional filling materials. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following databases: the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE via OVID, EMBASE via OVID, CINAHL via EBSCO, LILACS via BIREME. We also searched the reference lists of articles and ongoing trials registries.There were no restrictions regarding language or date of publication. The search is up-to-date as of 26 March 2015. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-randomised controlled trials in participants with permanent teeth that have undergone endodontic treatment. Single full coverage crowns compared with any type of filling materials for direct restoration or indirect partial restorations (e.g. inlays and onlays). Comparisons considered the type of post and core used (cast or prefabricated post), if any. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently extracted data from the included trial and assessed its risk of bias. We carried out data analysis using the 'treatment as allocated' patient population, expressing estimates of intervention effect for dichotomous data as risk ratios, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS: We included one trial, which was judged to be at high risk of performance, detection and attrition bias. The 117 participants with a root-filled, premolar tooth restored with a carbon fibre post, were randomised to either a full coverage metal-ceramic crown or direct adhesive composite restoration. None experienced a catastrophic failure (i.e. when the restoration cannot be repaired), although only 104 teeth were included in the final, three-year assessment. There was no clear difference between the crown and composite group and the composite only group for non-catastrophic failures of the restoration (1/54 versus 3/53; RR 0.33; 95% CI 0.04 to 3.05) or failures of the post (2/54 versus 1/53; RR 1.96; 95% CI 0.18 to 21.01) at three years. The quality of the evidence for these outcomes is very low. There was no evidence available for any of our secondary outcomes: patient satisfaction and quality of life, incidence or recurrence of caries, periodontal health status, and costs. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to assess the effects of crowns compared to conventional fillings for the restoration of root-filled teeth. Until more evidence becomes available, clinicians should continue to base decisions about how to restore root-filled teeth on their own clinical experience, whilst taking into consideration the individual circumstances and preferences of their patients.

Effect of dentin conditioning on bond strength of fiber posts and dentin morphology: a review.

PURPOSE: Post and core systems are commonly used to restore endodontically treated teeth. A durable bond between fiber posts and dentin contributes to the success of the restorative treatment. Different irrigants are used during post space preparation and various studies have investigated the effects of these chemical agents on bond strength and dentin morphology. METHODS: The MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane, and SCOPUS databases were searched for appropriate papers addressing the effects of irrigants on bonding of fiber posts to dentin and on dentin morphology. Databases were searched from 2002 through 2012. The search was performed using a variety of keywords including fiber posts, bond strength, post space preparation, post space irrigation, and smear layer removal. RESULTS: Using multiple key words and different strategies, 68 publications were initially screened. The abstracts of these 68 publications were scanned for relevance, and 50 full-text articles were selected and read in detail. Thirty publications which discussed the effect of various intracanal irrigants on bond strengths of fiber posts and dentin morphology were incorporated in this review. Following review of all relevant papers, it can be concluded that bond strengths of fiber posts to radicular dentin can be affected by the irrigants used and that various irrigants affect different types of resin cements differently.

Fabricating a fiber-reinforced post and zirconia core with CAD/CAM technology.

This article describes a technique for overcoming the limitations of dental scanners in imaging post spaces by using a single fiber-reinforced post and computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology, thereby eliminating the need for a 'Scan Post' and the post and core module in the CAD. This technique produces an anatomically correct core and ensures the correct thickness of crown restorations.

A technique to ensure the reproducibility of a cast post and core.

The post-and-core pattern duplication technique is a simple, cost-effective, and accurate method of ensuring the reproducibility of a cast post and core. An acrylic resin pattern is fabricated for an endodontically treated tooth. The post portion of the pattern is duplicated with a polyvinyl siloxane impression material in the lower compartment of a container. The core portion is then duplicated with a polyether impression material in the upper compartment. After the original pattern has been retrieved, the duplicate resin pattern is fabricated in the provided space. This technique will improve efficiency if damage or loss of the pattern or the actual cast post and core occurs.

Effect of the crown, post, and remaining coronal dentin on the biomechanical behavior of endodontically treated maxillary central incisors.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: It is unclear how the amount of remaining coronal dentin and the type of post and core rehabilitation affect the strain, stress distribution, and fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the type of post, type of crown, and the amount of remaining coronal dentin on the biomechanical behavior of endodontically treated teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The investigation was conducted by using 3-dimensional finite element analysis and laboratory tests. Three-dimensional models of a maxillary central incisor were generated: without remaining coronal dentin, with 1.0 mm of remaining coronal dentin, with 2.0 mm of remaining coronal dentin, and restored with a glass-fiber post or a cast post and core in combination with a metal crown or an alumina-reinforced ceramic crown. The results were evaluated by using the von Mises criterion and Maximum Principal Stress. One hundred twenty bovine incisors were selected and divided into 12 treatment groups (n=10). Specimens were loaded at a 135-degree angle to perform strain measurements and were then loaded until fracture. The strain and fracture resistance results were analyzed with 3-way analysis of variance and the Tukey honestly significant difference test (α=.05). RESULTS: The alumina-reinforced ceramic crowns and metal crowns associated with a glass-fiber post showed a homogeneous stress distribution within the root. The cast post and core concentrated higher stresses at the post-dentin interface. Significant differences were found among the mean fracture resistance values for all groups (P<.05). The presence of 2.0 mm of coronal remnants resulted in lower strains and higher fracture resistance for both the metal and ceramic crowns. Roots restored with glass-fiber posts exhibited more favorable fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of 2 mm of remaining coronal dentin improved the mechanical behavior of the endodontically treated maxillary incisors. Teeth restored with glass-fiber posts and composite resin cores showed a homogeneous stress distribution within the root dentin.

Prosthetic rehabilitation and management of an MTA-treated maxillary central incisor with root perforation and severe internal resorption.

Root canal perforation and root resorption are challenging clinical conditions to correctly diagnose and treat, especially when they occur in anterior teeth. This clinical report describes the computed tomography findings, endodontic treatment, prosthetic rehabilitation, and clinical outcome of an iatrogenic root perforation and internal resorption in a maxillary central incisor. The case management consisted of endodontic retreatment, periodontal surgery, and prosthetic rehabilitation. Gray mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was used to fill the resorption space and seal the perforation. The prosthetic treatment was performed with glass fiber-reinforced dowels and all-ceramic crowns. No signs or symptoms, including discomfort, pain, or esthetic defects were observed in 30 months of follow-up.

Posts--when it all goes wrong! Part 1: case assessment and management options.

UNLABELLED: Posts have been used for many years to retain restorations or cores for extra-coronal restorations in endodontically treated teeth.This article discusses the variety of post systems that are available and the incidence and reasons for failure of teeth that have been restored with posts. The treatment options available for the management of such failures are considered, in addition to the indications for both non-surgical and surgical management of endodontic failures. The attitudes of dentists and the perceived complications of attempting post removal are reviewed, along with the evidence to support the prevalence of complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Failure of post-retained restorations is a relatively frequent finding due to failure of the restoration itself or the endodontic treatment. It is therefore important to understand and be aware of the various treatment options available, their indications and associated risks.

[Build-up restorations after extensive loss of tooth tissue]. / Funderings restauraties bij uitgebreid weefselverlies van gebitselementen.

After (extensive) loss of tooth tissue, vital teeth can be built up completely with composite restoration material. Sometimes, the application of additional retentive preparations is indicated. In exceptional cases, a root canal treatment is indicated, following which a root canal post is applied if necessary. Endodontically treated multi-rooted teeth can be built up entirely with composite, utilizing the pulp chamber and root canal accesses for retention. However, in single-rooted teeth a root canal post is necessary, in which case a prefabricated root post is used. Traditionally, metal posts were used in combination with a cast, indirect build-up restoration. Subsequently, directly fabricated cores, combining metal posts with amalgam or, at the present time, composite restoration material, became customary. The present trend is to use prefabricated or individually fabricated fibre-reinforced posts. After restoring a tooth with a build-up restoration, a combined build-up restoration can be chosen, or a direct or indirect crown single tooth prosthesis.

Single crowns versus conventional fillings for the restoration of root filled teeth.

BACKGROUND: Endodontic treatment, involves removal of the dental pulp and its replacement by a root canal filling. Restoration of root filled teeth can be challenging due to structural differences between vital and non-vital root filled teeth. Direct restoration involves placement of a restorative material e.g. amalgam or composite directly into the tooth. Indirect restorations consist of cast metal or ceramic (porcelain) crowns. The choice of restoration depends on the amount of remaining tooth which may influence long term survival and cost. The comparative in service clinical performance of crowns or conventional fillings used to restore root filled teeth is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of restoration of endodontically treated teeth (with or without post and core) by crowns versus conventional filling materials. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following databases: the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE via OVID, EMBASE via OVID, CINAHL via EBSCO, LILACS via BIREME and the reference lists of articles as well as ongoing trials registries.There were no restrictions regarding language or date of publication. Date of last search was 13 February 2012. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-randomised controlled trials in participants with permanent teeth which have undergone endodontic treatment. Single full coverage crowns compared with any type of filling materials for direct restoration, as well as indirect partial restorations (e.g. inlays and onlays). Comparisons considered the type of post and core used (cast or prefabricated post), if any. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: One trial judged to be at high risk of bias due to missing outcome data, was included. 117 participants with a root filled premolar tooth restored with a carbon fibre post, were randomised to either a full coverage metal-ceramic crown or direct adhesive composite restoration. At 3 years there was no reported difference between the non-catastrophic failure rates in both groups. Decementation of the post and marginal gap formation occurred in a small number of teeth. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of conventional fillings over crowns for the restoration of root filled teeth. Until more evidence becomes available clinicians should continue to base decisions on how to restore root filled teeth on their own clinical experience, whilst taking into consideration the individual circumstances and preferences of their patients.

Microleakage of endodontically treated teeth restored with 3 different adhesive systems and 4 different fiber-reinforced posts.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Despite recent advances in adhesive dentistry, fiber-reinforced post/resin cement/dentin adhesive combinations are not able to prevent microleakage. While studies have examined microleakage in endodontically treated teeth restored with posts and cores, microleakage among post and adhesive systems remains a concern. PURPOSE: This study compared the sealing properties of 4 adhesively luted post systems: glass fiber, quartz-glass fiber, zirconia-glass fiber and polyethylene fiber posts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-eight permanent maxillary central incisors were divided into 4 groups (n=12). Post space was prepared and each post was adhesively luted with 1 of 3 systems: a 1-stage self-etch, a 2-stage total-etch, and a 3-stage total-etch adhesive. The specimens were separately immersed in freshly prepared 2% methylene blue solution for 1 week. The cleaned specimens were then embedded in autopolymerizing acrylic resin. The teeth were horizontally sectioned into apical, middle, and coronal portions. An occlusal view of each section was digitally photographed with a stereomicroscope. The methylene blue-infiltrated surface for each specimen was measured and data were collected with software. Dye penetration was estimated as the ratio of the methylene blue-infiltrated surface to the total dentin surface. Nonparametric data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test (α=.05). The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compute multiple pairwise comparisons that identified differences among groups. Dentin-luting agent and post interfaces were evaluated with a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: Significant differences in adhesive and post systems were observed in all sectioned regions (P<.05). There were significant differences between the apical and coronal sections of each post type, and between the following pairs: middle versus coronal sections of zirconia-glass fiber and glass fiber posts and apical versus middle sections of quartz-glass fiber and polyethylene fiber posts (P<.05). No significant differences were found among post types. The variables of middle section and 3-stage adhesive produced significant differences in microleakage between the following post pairs: zirconia-glass fiber versus quartz-glass fiber, zirconia-glass fiber versus polyethylene fiber, and quartz-glass fiber versus polyethylene fiber (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The 3-stage adhesive and zirconia-glass fiber posts demonstrated the least microleakage.

Comparative evaluation of fracture resistance of structurally compromised canals restored with different dowel methods.

PURPOSE: The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the fracture resistance and fracture mode of endodontically treated teeth with wide root canals restored with various dowel methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty human uniradicular mandibular premolar teeth were decoronated and endodontically treated. The canals were widened with diamond points. The specimens were divided into five groups on the basis of type of dowel method used: conventional custom-made cast metal dowel; single glass fiber-reinforced resin dowel; glass fiber-reinforced resin dowel with accessory fiber dowels; relined glass fiber-reinforced resin dowel; and dowels formed with the help of polyethylene fiber ribbon-reinforced resin composite. Specimens were restored with indirect composite crowns, and 150,000 cycles of cyclic loading were applied. The specimens were loaded to test the fracture resistance and fracture mode (repairable and nonrepairable). RESULTS: The cast metal dowel groups had the highest fracture resistance but showed nonrepairable fracture in 90% of specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Cast metal dowels had the highest fracture resistance but led to nonrepairable fracture while restoring the wide root canals under cyclic loading. Specimens restored with fiber dowels, accessory dowels, relined dowels, and ribbon-reinforced resin provided adequate fracture resistance with increased incidence of repairable fractures.

Periodontal-restorative collaboration: the basis for interdisciplinary success in partially edentulous patients.

Restorative dentists are the primary interface between dentistry and the general public. In this capacity, they are increasingly involved in both the placement of implants and the final esthetics of the definitive restorations. With patient demand steadily increasing for implants as single-tooth and multi-unit replacements-often in a compromised periodontium-effective collaborative decision-making between the periodontist and the restorative dentist is more critical now than ever. Inherent disparities between their skillsets--particularly from a surgical stand-point-inextricably link these practitioners as collaborators in preserving and rehabilitating periodontium and dentition alike. The cases described in this article provide insight into how such collaboration enables high-quality interdisciplinary outcomes when replacing teeth with implants in the esthetic zone.

FEM analysis of the mandibular first premolar with different post diameters.

Several reports have pointed out that endodontically treated teeth can lack strength, and that the teeth can be reinforced using posts. However, it has not been clear how to select posts that meet the needs of most clinical situations, particularly in terms of the post diameter, which has a major influence on the occurrence of root fracture. The purpose of this study was to analyze the stress distributions of posts of various diameters during masticatory loads using a finite element method. A 3-dimensional (3D) finite element model of a lower first premolar was developed. We used the image software Geomagic Studio (3D Digital 2002; Geomagic, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA) to reduce the post diameter by 6 ratios to a root diameter of 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 80% and then individually implemented them into the root of a tooth. A chewing static force of 100 N was applied as a 45° diagonal load on the buccal cusp tip, and the σ(von Mises) and σ(max) stresses were calculated. Analysis of the σ(von Mises) values revealed that the stresses were concentrated in the middle 1/3 of both the post and the root surface for all models, as were the σ(max) values. The results also indicated that when the diameter of the post was 50% of that of the root, the stress distributions of the post and the root surface were most favorable. In conclusion, the clinical implications of the results will need to be further studied and discussed.

Reinforcement of thin-walled root canal structures for placement of esthetic dowels: a clinical report.

Thin-walled root canals always present a challenge to dentists to select a restorative treatment that does not further weaken the thin tooth structure. The prognosis of dowel and core restorations can be unpredictable. This clinical report describes the treatment of a patient with extensive caries extending into the root canal of an endodontically treated maxillary central incisor. The use of a flowable composite resin in combination with a quartz fiber reinforced post is described, resulting in the rehabilitation of a structurally compromised root canal with satisfactory esthetic and functional outcomes.

Fabricating fiber-reinforced composite posts.

Endodontic posts do not increase the strength of the remaining tooth structure in endodontically treated teeth. On the contrary, depending on the post design employed (tapered versus parallel-sided), the root can be weakened relative to the amount of tooth removed during preparation. In many cases, if there has been a high degree of damage to the clinical crown, conservative preparation for an anatomic tapered (biomimetic) post with the incorporation of a ferrule on solid tooth structure is necessary to protect the reaming root structure as well as for the long-term retention of the composite resin core and the definitive restoration. Adhesively luted endodontic posts reinforced with glass or quartz fiber lead to better homogeneous tension distribution when loaded than rigid metal or zirconium oxide ceramic posts. Fiber-reinforced posts also possess advantageous optical properties over metal or metal oxide post systems. The clinician should realize that there are admittedly substantial differences in the mechanical loading capacity of the different fiber-reinforced endodontic posts and should be aware of such differences in order to research and select a suitable post system for use.

Fracture resistance of roots prosthetically restored with intra-radicular posts of different lengths.

The purpose of this study was to assess the fracture resistance of roots that were prosthetically restored with intra-radicular posts of different lengths. Forty-five bovine incisors were sectioned 17 mm from their apices, endodontically treated and randomly divided into three experimental groups: GI, fibreglass posts luted at a depth of 12 mm; GII, 8 mm and GIII, 4 mm. All posts were luted with dual resin cement. Resin composite cores were prepared with standardized measurements, and all teeth were restored with metal crowns. The samples were submitted to the fracture resistance test in a universal testing machine, at an angle of 135 degrees and speed of 0.5 mm min(-1), until fracture occurred. The data, in MPa, were submitted to the analysis of variance (anova) followed by Tukey's test (alpha = 0.01). No statistically significant difference (P > 0.01) was found between GI (129.72 +/- 12.14) and GII (154.3 +/- 12.08), which presented the highest fracture resistance values. Group GIII (100.5 +/- 8.07) showed lower fracture resistance (P < 0.01) when compared with GI and GII. Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that the post lengths influenced the fracture resistance of prosthetically restored roots. These results suggest that it is not necessary to perform excessive intra-radicular post-space preparation to improve the fracture resistance of roots.