Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to investigate the influence of different post systems on the stress distribution of weakened teeth under oblique-load application. A maxillary central incisor root obtained from a sound tooth was weakened by partial removal of dentin inside the root canal. Seven two-dimensional numerical models, one from the sound tooth and six from the weakened root restored with composite resin and post systems were created as follows-ST: sound tooth; CPC: cast CuAl post and core; SSP: stainless steel post + composite core; GP: fiberglass + composite core; CP: carbon fiber + composite core; ZP: zirconium dioxide post + composite core; TP: titanium post + composite core. The numerical models were considered to be restored with a leucite-reinforced all-ceramic crown and received a 45º occlusal load (10 N) on the lingual surface. All the materials and structures were considered linear elastic, homogeneous, and isotropic, with the exception of fiberglass and carbon fiber posts which assumed orthotropic behavior. The numerical models were plotted and meshed with isoparametric elements, and the results were analyzed using von Mises and Sy stress criteria. When compared with the sound tooth, FEA revealed differences in stress distribution when post systems were used. Among the restored teeth, the use of CPC, SSP, ZP, and TP resulted in higher stress concentration in the post itself when compared to GP and CP. Therefore, results from the FEA images suggested that the use of non-metallic post systems could result in improved mechanical behavior for the weakened restored teeth.

Composite resin restoration plays an important role in recovering tooth strength. With regard to fracture mode, restoration and endodontic treatment increased the incidence of periodontal involvement, which was demonstrated by association with the finite element mechanical test method.

Endofill interfered negatively with the bond to root dentine along its full length and in the TA when post fixation was delayed for 7 days. Bond strength decreased from crown to apex in all groups.

The cast post and core when the length was 10.0 mm had the highest fracture resistance; however, the fibreglass post was effective with the three post lengths, with higher fracture resistance than metal posts when the length was 5.0 mm.

Within the limitations of this study, the results indicated that the use of ceramic and polymer crowns without a core reinforcement should be carefully evaluated before clinical use due to the high incidence of failure with tooth involvement. This mainly occurred for the polymer crown group, although the fracture load was higher than normal occlusal forces. High tensile stress concentrations were found around and between the occlusal loading points. Fractographic analysis indicated fracture originating from the load point and propagating from the occlusal surface toward the cervical area, which is the opposite direction of that observed in clinical situations.