A Comparative Evaluation of Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Teeth restored with Composite Resin Core using Two Different Designs of Prefabricated Metal Posts: An in vitro Study

Abstract

Aim:To comparatively evaluate the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with light-cured composite resin core using two different designs of prefabricated metal posts. Materials and methods:A total of 30 single-rooted anterior teeth were selected for the study and endodontically treated. Teeth were sectioned 2 mm above the cementoenamel junction and were randomly divided into two groups (n = 15). Teeth in group I were restored with Parallel post-EG post and group II with parallel post with coronal flare-i post. Light-cured composite core buildup was done in all samples using a customized core former. Compressive load was applied at a 135° angle to the long axis of the tooth at a cross-head speed of 1 mm/minute until visible signs of fracture were observed. Levene's test and t-test were used to determine the difference of the failure loads between the groups (α = 0.05). Results:The mean values (standard deviation [SD]) for fracture resistance were 295.55 N and 469.59 N for parallel post-EG post and parallel post with coronal flare-i post respectively. Since the p-value for the t-test is less than 0.05, it indicates that we should reject null hypothesis and conclude that the mean fracture load of parallel post with coronal flare-i post is significantly more than that of mean fracture load of parallel post-EG post. Conclusion:The study conducted evaluated that the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth with parallel post with coronal flare-i post and core buildup had better strength as compared with parallel post-EG post and core buildup.Clinical significance: The present study will help the clinician to select the appropriate prefabricated metal post that will fit exactly into the coronal flare of the canal improving clinical performance, thus increasing the longevity of the restoration.