Influence of the Fiber Post Length on the Fracture Strength of Endodontically Treated Teeth

Effect of Ferrule Height on the Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Teeth Restored With Glass Fiber Posts: An In Vitro Study

INTRODUCTION

 Restoration of endodontically treated teeth (ETT) presents a significant challenge due to compromised structural integrity. The ferrule effect is crucial in reinforcing teeth and improving fracture resistance. This study aimed to compare and evaluate the effect of different crown ferrules on the fracture resistance of ETT restored with a glass fiber post and to evaluate the failure pattern.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-six extracted human maxillary central incisors were selected and randomly divided into four groups (n = 14 per group) based on ferrule height: Group 1 (control, no ferrule with a metal post), Group 2 (0 mm ferrule with a glass fiber post), Group 3 (2 mm ferrule with a glass fiber post), and Group 4 (3 mm ferrule with a glass fiber post). After endodontic treatment and post-space preparation, the teeth were restored using composite cores and full metal crowns. A universal testing machine was used to apply a compressive load at a 45° angle until fracture occurred. The fracture resistance was recorded in Newtons (N), and the failure modes were analyzed under a stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Tukey test (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The mean fracture resistance values were highest in Group 1 (559.68 ± 92.52 N) and lowest in Group 2 (215.60 ± 70.79 N). Group 3 (428.53 ± 154.27 N) and Group 4 (439.06 ± 118.83 N) exhibited significantly higher fracture resistance than Group 2 (p = 0.001) but were not significantly different from each other (p = 0.950). Unfavorable root fractures were predominant in Group 1 and Group 2, whereas Group 3 and Group 4 showed repairable core-debonding failures.

CONCLUSIONS

Ferrules play a significant role in the fracture resistance of glass fiber post-restored teeth. Increasing the ferrule length significantly increases fracture resistance. Although metal posts provide higher fracture resistance, they are associated with a greater incidence of non-repairable failures. Glass fiber posts combined with an adequate ferrule are a more favorable option for restoring structurally compromised teeth.

Annual review of selected scientific literature: A report of the Committee on Scientific Investigation of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry

The Scientific Investigation Committee of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry offers this review of select 2023 dental literature to briefly touch on several topics of interest to modern restorative dentistry. Each committee member brings discipline-specific expertize in their subject areas that include (in order of appearance here): prosthodontics; periodontics, alveolar bone, and peri-implant tissues; dental materials and therapeutics; occlusion and temporomandibular disorders; sleep-related breathing disorders; oral medicine, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and oral radiology; and dental caries and cariology. The authors have focused their efforts on presenting information likely to influence the daily dental treatment decisions of the reader with an emphasis on current innovations, new materials and processes, emerging technology, and future trends in dentistry. With the overwhelming volume of literature published daily in dentistry and related disciplines, this review cannot be comprehensive. Instead, its purpose is to inform and update interested readers and provide valuable resource material for those willing to subsequently pursue greater detail on their own. Our intent remains to assist colleagues in navigating the tremendous volume of newly minted information produced annually. Finally, we hope readers find this work helpful in providing evidence-based care to patients seeking healthier and happier lives.

Radiographic Assessment of 121 Glass Fiber Post Procedures in 32 Patients Aged 21-60 Years Performed by 6th-Year Dental Students During the 2022-2023 Academic Year at the College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND The restoration of endodontically treated teeth (ETT) and severely damaged teeth has been a concern of clinicians. Glass Fiber Post (GFPs) combine the strength of carbon fiber posts with the esthetic appearance of glass to resemble natural dentin during dental restoration procedures. This radiographical study assessed the GFP carried out by students enrolled in the Clinical Comprehensive Course at the College of Dentistry, Jazan University. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 32 patients treated by 18 6th-year dental students with 121 GFPs were assessed in this cross-sectional radiographic study. The assessment covered tooth type, arch, post-to-root width, length of post in relation to the crown and root lengths, amount of remaining gutta percha (GP), and gap between GP and post. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and associations between variables were determined using the chi-square test. RESULTS Maxillary teeth were the most frequently restored with posts (88.4%) with most being (58.7%) anterior teeth, and 50.4% of posts had widths that were one-third that of the root. The percentage of posts was twice (71.1%) or equal to (26.4%) the crown length, whereas two-thirds of the tested GFPs were >5 mm of the remaining GP. Significant differences were observed in location and position of teeth with post width, post length in relation to crown or root length, and amount of remaining GP, with P values of 0.018, 0.000, and 0.001, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The assessed radiographs revealed that the performance of sixth year students in accomplishment GFP radiographically was satisfactory and within the values recommended in the literature.