Comparative evaluation of fracture resistance of endodontically treated premolars with one remaining cavity wall restored using different techniques and materials: An in vitro study

Abstract

Introduction: This study was aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of conventional posterior composites, and short fiber-reinforced composites with and without the use of glass fiber post (GFP) and polyethylene fiber post on fracture strength of endodontically treated maxillary premolar teeth. Materials and Methods: Root canal treatment was performed on the sixty extracted maxillary premolars followed by mesio-occluso-distal cavity preparation and removal of the lingual wall. The teeth were randomized into six groups (A1, A2, A3; B1, B2, and B3). In Group A, a conventional posterior composite was used as a core material, and in Group B, short fiber-reinforced composite was used. Groups A and B were divided according to the post systems used. In Groups A1 and B1, 3 mm deep cavities were prepared in the palatal canal and restored with respective core materials. In Groups A2 and B2 GFP were placed in 10 mm post space prepared in the palatal canal and restored with respective core material. While in Groups A3 and B3 polyethylene, fiber post was placed, followed by core build-up with respective core materials. Samples were subjected to fracture resistance testing in the Universal testing machine, and the fractured samples were inspected in stereomicroscope under 20× for identifying fracture patterns. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by post hoc Tukey's test. The failure pattern was analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: Higher fracture resistance values were seen with groups restored with the post as compared to groups restored without post, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The short fiber-reinforced composite showed higher resistance values than the conventional composite (P 0.05). The use of post resulted in a significantly higher number of favorable fracture of the teeth (P Conclusion: The use of post did not have a profound effect on the fracture resistance but had a positive effect on failure patterns in teeth with one remaining wall. In root canal treated teeth with one wall remaining, the use of either post with short fiber reinforced composite is recommended.