Root Canal Posts Research Articles

Effect of Sonic Application of Universal Adhesive Systems on Bond Strength of Fiber Posts to Root Canal.

This study evaluated the push-out bond strength (BS) of fiber posts in root canals and the nanoleakage (NL) pattern at the bonding interface when universal adhesives were applied in etch-and-rinse mode to root dentin using an oscillating sonic device. Fifty-four roots of human premolars were endodontically prepared and divided into 6 experimental groups according to the main factors: adhesive system/resin cement (Ambar Universal/AllCem, Scotchbond Universal/RelyX ARC, Prime&Bond Elect/Enforce) and application mode (vigorous manual or sonic). Fiber posts were cemented and roots were transversally sectioned into six 1-mm-thick serial slices, which were subjected to BS testing (n = 7 per group) at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min, and the rest (n = 2 per group) were subjected to NL analysis using scanning electron microscopy after slice immersion in silver nitrate. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's post-hoc test (α = 5%). Sonic application significantly increased BS only on the coronal third when Ambar Universal was used. When Scotchbond Universal was used, higher BS was observed when the adhesive was manually applied than when the sonic device was used. For Prime&Bond Elect, no significant difference in BS was noted when the application methods were compared. Manual application also produced lower NL values than did sonic application when Ambar Universal was used, while no significant difference in NL was noted using the other adhesive systems. Sonic application did not improve the bond strength of posts in root canals in comparison to vigorous, manual application.

Effect of Carbodiimide on Bonding Durability of Adhesive-cemented Fiber Posts in Root Canals.

This study was undertaken to investigate whether using a protein cross-linker, 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC), improves bonding stability of fiber posts to root dentin using three resin cements. Sixty human maxillary central incisor roots were randomly divided into six groups after endodontic treatment, according to the cements used with and without EDC pretreatment. In the etch-and-rinse group, 0.3 M EDC aqueous solution was applied on acid-etched root dentin prior to Excite DSC/Variolink II for post cementation. In the self-etch and self-adhesive groups, EDC was used on EDTA-conditioned root space prior to application of ED Primer II/Panavia F2.0 and Clearfil SA, respectively. After microslicing the root dentin, a push-out bond strength (BS) test was performed immediately or after one-year of water storage for each group. Data were analyzed using three-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests (α=0.05). A significant effect of cement type, time, EDC, and Time × Cement and Time × EDC interactions were observed (p≤0.001). EDC pretreatment did not affect immediate bonding of the three cements (p>0.05). Aging significantly reduced the BS in all the groups (p≤0.001), but EDC groups exhibited a higher BS compared with the respective control groups (p<0.001). Despite the significant effect of aging on decreasing the BS of fiber post to radicular dentin, EDC could diminish this effect for the three tested cements.

Effects of metal- and fiber-reinforced composite root canal posts on flexural properties.

The aim of this study was to observe the effects of different test conditions on the flexural properties of root canal post. Metal- and fiber-reinforced composite root canal posts of various diameters were measured to determine flexural properties using a threepoint bending test at different conditions. In this study, the span length/post diameter ratio of root canal posts varied from 3.0 to 10.0. Multiple regression models for maximum load as a dependent variable were statistically significant. The models for flexural properties as dependent variables were statistically significant, but linear regression models could not be fitted to data sets. At a low span length/post diameter ratio, the flexural properties were distorted by occurrence of shear stress in short samples. It was impossible to obtain high span length/post diameter ratio with root canal posts. The addition of parameters or coefficients is necessary to appropriately represent the flexural properties of root canal posts.

Does the moment of fiber post cutting influence on the retention to root dentin?

Despite several advantages associated with pre-fabricated glass-fiber posts, the coronal portion of these posts must be cut to allow their use in various clinical situations. However, cutting the cemented post can generate stress on the bonding interface and affect the bond strength. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect the of fiber post cutting on the bond strength of root canals. Sixty bovine incisor roots were included in resin cylinders with simulated periodontal ligaments. Glass-fiber posts were luted using regular resin cement RelyX ARC (3M ESPE) or self-adhesive cement RelyX Unicem (3M ESPE). The posts were cut prior to cementation, immediately after luting or after building up the core (n=10). After storage for 24 h, the samples were cut and subject to push-out testing using a mechanical testing machine (EMIC DL 2000). Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA (resin cement x moment of post cutting) and Tukey's post hoc test (α=0.05). The moment of fiber post cutting did not affect the bond strength when Unicem was used. However, the bond strength was reduced when ARC was used and when the post was cut immediately. In conclusion, the moment of fiber post cutting may affect the retention of root canal posts when a regular resin cement is used.

Retention of Root Canal Posts: Effect of Cement Film Thickness, Luting Cement, and Post Pretreatment.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the cement film thickness of a zinc phosphate or a resin cement on retention of untreated and pretreated root canal posts. Prefabricated zirconia posts (CosmoPost: 1.4 mm) and two types of luting cements (a zinc phosphate cement [DeTrey Zinc] and a self-etch adhesive resin cement [Panavia F2.0]) were used. After removal of the crowns of 360 extracted premolars, canines, or incisors, the root canals were prepared with a parallel-sided drill system to three different final diameters. Half the posts did not receive any pretreatment. The other half received tribochemical silicate coating according to the manufacturer's instructions. Posts were then luted in the prepared root canals (n=30 per group). Following water storage at 37°C for seven days, retention of the posts was determined by the pull-out method. Irrespective of the luting cement, pretreatment with tribochemical silicate coating significantly increased retention of the posts. Increased cement film thickness resulted in decreased retention of untreated posts and of pretreated posts luted with zinc phosphate cement. Increased cement film thickness had no influence on retention of pretreated posts luted with resin cement. Thus, retention of the posts was influenced by the type of luting cement, by the cement film thickness, and by the post pretreatment.

Methods of Intracanal Reinforcement in Primary Anterior Teeth-Assessing the Outcomes through a Systematic Literature Review.

ABSTRACTAim: To assess how the various methods of intracanal reinforcement (short root canal posts) performed in their clinical and radiographic outcomes for restoring grossly broken down primary anterior teeth after pulpectomy for 1 year or longer follow-up period.Materials and methods: Literature search of electronic databases (Sept 2013) and various journals (1980-Sept 2013) using medical subject headings and free text terms was conducted. For inclusion in quality assessment, prespecified inclusion criteria were applied. Quality assessment was performed by using ‘The Cochrane collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias’.Results: Seven relevant papers were selected for full text evaluation. After applying the inclusion criteria, only two trials could be considered for quality assessment. Both of these were classified as having high risk of bias.Conclusion: The evidence to support any method of intracanal reinforcement for restoring grossly broken down anterior teeth is presently lacking. Further trials with well-defined methodology are needed.How to cite this article: Mittal N, Bhatia HP, Haider K. Methods of Intracanal Reinforcement in Primary Anterior Teeth– Assessing the Outcomes through a Systematic Literature Review. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2015;8(1):48-54.

Managment of complex crown root fracture using fibre post - A case report

Coronal fractures of permanent dentition are the most common type of dental injury. If the original tooth fragment is available following fracture, the natural tooth structures can be reattached using adhesive protocols. The development and use of fiber-reinforced composite root canal posts make possible the reattachment of the crown esthetically and reinforce the bonding of teeth fragments to the remaining natural teeth. Root fracture is one of the consequences of dental trauma. Horizontal root fractures are unfortunate accidents that most of the times affect the maxillary central incisors mainly in the middle third of the root nevertheless apical and coronal third fractures are also sometimes reported. A single fracture occurs in most cases and multiple root fracture is a rare finding. This case report presents a clinical technique of reattachment of coronal fragment of maxillary lateral incisor after trauma using direct fiber-reinforced post systems and simultaneously management of the fracture in the middle third of the root using fibre post as a intraradicular splint. Healing was observed at 1 year follow-up examination.

Effect of luting cement and thermomechanical loading on retention of glass fibre posts in root canals

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of luting cement and thermomechanical loading on the retention of glass fibre posts in root canals. MethodsOne hundred and forty-four single-rooted human premolars were endodontically treated and restored with RelyX Fibre Posts. The teeth were divided into four groups according to the cements used (Fuji I, Fuji CEM, RelyX Unicem and RelyX ARC). Each group was further divided into two subgroups according to the method of ageing (immediately tested and after thermomechanical loading). Bond strength was evaluated using a pull-out test. Microleakage was examined quantitatively with dye penetration. The dentine–cement-post bonding interface was assessed using scanning electron microscopy. Data were analysed with two-way ANOVA (pull-out test) and Kruskal–Wallis analysis (microleakage). ResultsThe pull-out bond strength and microleakage were significantly affected by the type of cement and ageing. Although RelyX ARC showed the highest bond strength before thermomechanical loading (p<0.05), the sealing ability of this cement was worse than those exhibited in Fuji CEM and RelyX Unicem (p<0.05). After thermomechanical loading, pull-out strengths of Fuji I and Fuji CEM were significantly increased, whereas that of RelyX ARC group significantly decreased (p<0.05). The sealing ability of Fuji CEM was significantly better than the two resin cement groups (p<0.05) after ageing. ConclusionFuji CEM demonstrates increased pull-out strength after thermomechanical loading and favourable sealing ability compared with the other cements. Clinical significanceResin-modified glass ionomer cements have the potential benefit of achieving long-term retention when used for luting glass fibre post to root canal dentine. So it may be recommended for the cementation of glass fibre post in clinics.

Effect of Different Surface Treatments on Push-Out Bond Strength of Zirconia Oxide Posts

To Investigate the Effect of Different Surface Treatments on Push-out Bond Strength of Zirconia Oxide Posts in Root Canals. Sixty Single Rooted Extracted Teeth were Collected and Divided into Two Groups. Custom Milled Zirconium Oxide Posts (Cercon, Degudent, Germany; Cosmopost, Ivoclar, Liechtenstein) were Fabricated. Post Specimens of each Group were Subjected to Different Surface Treatments (n=10): no Treatment (control), Sandblasting then Silane Coating and Silane Application (SB+SC+SI), Sandblasting and Silane Application (SB+SI). all Specimens were Bonded with Relyx Unicem and Horizontally Sectioned into Three Sections and Subjected to a Push-out Test. Data were Analyzed Using Two-way ANOVA. Cercon Recorded Significant Higher Bond Strength than Cosmopost (P＞0.05). Surface Treatments Recorded Higher Values than Control Group, and SB+SC+SI Presented Higher Bond Strength than SB+SI (P＞0.05). there was no Significant Difference among Different Root Regions (P＞0.05). Therefore Cercon May be more Suitable to be Used as Post Materials than Cosmopost. Surface Treatments have Significant Effect on Push-out Bond Strength of Zirconia Oxide Post and SB+SC+SI Group Presents Better Bond Strength than SB+SI Group.

Introduction to Fiber Reinforced Composite (FRC) Post, A New Era in Reinforcing Esthetics: A Case Report

The restoration of a root canal treated or, endodontically treated teeth, is often can be achieved with post and core because of the significant loss of tooth structure. Until the mid-1980s, the safest way to restore an endodontically treated tooth was considered to be the cast-metal post, made indirectly by a dental technician. Also prefabricated metal posts in combination with different core materials under artificial crowns were used. The development and use of fiber reinforced composite (FRC) root canal posts over metallic posts make possible of the attachment &amp; reinforcement of the crown with maximum esthetics. This paper illustrates a technique for rehabilitation of an endodontically treated maxillary central incisor of both sides (UL1 &amp; UR1) with a fiber reinforced composite post (FRC post) &amp; discusses the advantages, disadvantages of metallic post over fiber reinforced composite (FRC) posts.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v3i1.16595 Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research &amp; Education Vol.3(1) 2013: 45-48

Evaluation of the Radiopacity of Esthetic Root Canal Posts

The radiopacity of esthetic root canal posts may impair the assessment of their fit to the root canal when using radiographic images. This study determined in vitro the radiographic density of esthetic root canal posts using digital images. Thirty-six roots of human maxillary canines were assigned to six groups (N=6 per group): Reforpost (RP); Aestheti-Plus (AP); Reforpost MIX (RPM); D.T. Light Post (LP); Reforpost Radiopaque (RPR); and White Post DC (WP). Standardized digital images of the posts were obtained in different conditions: outside the root canal, inside the canal before and after cementation using luting material, and with a tissue simulator. Analysis of variance was used to compare the radiopacity mean values among the posts outside the root canal and among the posts under the other conditions, and the "t" unpaired test to compare the radiopacity between the posts and the dentin, and between the posts and the root canal space. There was no statistically significant difference in radiopacity between RP and RPM, and LP and WP. AP posts showed radiopacity values significantly lower than those for dentin. No statistically significant difference was found between posts (RP and AP) and the root canal space. A statistically significant difference was observed between the luted and non-luted posts; additionally, luted posts with and without tissue simulator showed no significant differences. Most of the cement-luted posts analyzed in this study were distinguishable from the density of adjacent dentin surfaces, allowing radiographic confirmation of the fit of the post in the canal. The success of using esthetic root canal posts depends mainly on the fit of the post within the canal.[1] The radiopacity of a post allows for radiographic imaging to be used to determine the fit, an important factor in a clinical perspective.

In vitro radiographic density of dental posts measured by digital radiography

This study evaluated the radiopacity of seven commercial root canal posts. Digital radiographs of the seven commercial posts and of the same commercial posts and four artificial aluminum posts inserted in lower canines were obtained with a CCD-based digital sensor. The radiopacity of the posts was expressed as mm aluminum/mm material (mmAl). Subsequently, the radiographs were presented to five trained evaluators who were asked to rank their acceptability scores as not acceptable, acceptable, or excellent. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences in radiopacity among the posts (P < 0.05). The radiopacities of zirconium and titanium posts were significantly higher than those of fiber posts (P < 0.05). The minimum aluminum thickness for acceptance in the root canals was 1.2 mmAl. All of the examined posts presented satisfactory radiopacity for clinical application.

Effect of types of luting agent on push-out bond strength of zirconium oxide posts

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different luting agents on the bond strength of zirconium oxide posts in root canals after artificial ageing. Material and methodsThirty single-rooted extracted teeth were collected. Post spaces were prepared. Custom milled zirconium oxide posts (Cercon, Degudent) were fabricated. Specimens were divided into 3 groups (n=10), according to the luting agents used: group RA, conventional resin luting agent (RelyX ARC); group RU, self-adhesive resin luting agent (RelyX Unicem); and group Z, zinc phosphate luting agent (DeTrey). Specimens were subjected to thermocycling and water storage at 37°C. Specimens were horizontally sectioned into three sections and subjected to a push-out test with 0.5mm/min crosshead speed. The failure mode was assessed by scanning electron microscopy. Data were analysed by using 2-way ANOVA. ResultsThe following bond strength values were obtained: group RA – 8.89MPa, group RU – 10.30MPa and group Z – 9.31MPa. There was no significant difference in bond strength among the groups (P=0.500). Adhesive failure mode at the cement/post bonded interface was seen in 100%, 66.67% and 83.3% of examined sections in groups RA, RU and Z, respectively. There was no significant difference in bond strength among different root regions (P=0.367). ConclusionThe type of luting agent had no significant effect on the push-out bond strength of zirconium oxide posts after artificial ageing. Clinical significanceConventional luting agents, such as zinc phosphate cement, seem to provide comparable retention to resin luting agents for cementing custom milled zirconium oxide posts.

A vivo study on dowel crown with more aesthetic and healthy Fiber Reinforced Composite post system

Statement of problem. Patients having grossly carious teeth with broken down crown are needed to be restored with post &amp; core after endodontic treatment. Root canal posts are widely used &amp; come in a variety of metals &amp; forms. However, cast metal posts, although better than other post &amp; core systems, still possess some disadvantages, like corrosion &amp; discoloration at the gingival margin of the treated tooth &amp; cause aesthetic problem. These problems are overcome with the recently introduced post &amp; core material. The fiber reinforced composite post &amp; core material is a superior &amp; efficient alternative to cast post. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to investigate the success of fiber reinforced composite post &amp; core system over conventional metallic system in regards of corrosion &amp; discoloration resistance with periodontal condition on post treated tooth. Materials &amp; Methods. This was a prospective study, conducted in the department of Conservative Dentistry &amp; Endodontics, B.S.M.M.U. 40 patients were purposively selected who attended in this department with grossly carious teeth with badly broken crown without apical infection as the subject of this study &amp; divided in two groups. 20 patients were included in group A as case subjects &amp; they were treated with fiber reinforced post &amp; core system. 20 patients were included in group B as control subjects. They were treated with conventional cast metallic post &amp; core system. After twelve months, recorded data were compiled on a master chart and statistically analyzed. Chisquare test and t-test (unpaired) were done for statistical significance (P&lt;0.05). Results. Very highly significant difference (p&lt;.001) was observed between the groups in the evaluation of resistance to corrosion &amp; discoloration, there were no significant difference (p&gt;.05) in periodontal evaluation Conclusion. This study revealed that fiber reinforced composite post &amp; core system can overcome the problems faced by the metallic post &amp; core system. So it can be concluded that fiber reinforced composite post &amp; core system can be a promising alternative in comparison to metallic post &amp; core system.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cdcj.v9i1.11832 City Dental College Journal Vol.9(1) 2012 15-18

One year effect of chlorhexidine on bonding of fibre-reinforced composite root canal post to dentine

ObjectivesChlorhexidine preserves the long-term bonding between composite restorations and coronal dentine. Our aim was to evaluate the long-term effect of chlorhexidine on attachment of fibre-reinforced composite (FRC) root canal posts to root canals. We hypothesized that chlorhexidine would not negatively affect the bond strength in aged specimens. MethodsRoot canals of 40 human extracted third molars were prepared for post cementation with each post systems’ own burs. Four commercially available FRC posts (Glassix, D.T. Light-Post, Unicore, everStickPOST) were cemented with three different cements (Duo-link, PermaFlo DC, RelyX Unicem). After etching, except with self-adhesive RelyX Unicem, the post spaces were irrigated either with 2% chlorhexidine (Consepsis) or physiological saline for 60s. The roots (n=5 per group) were cut into 2mm thick dentine discs. The discs were stored in artificial saliva for one year. The bond strength was measured with the push-out method, and the failure mode was evaluated with a stereomicroscope. ResultsUnicore with PermaFlo DC and everStickPOST with RelyX Unicem demonstrated significantly higher bond strength values both with and without chlorhexidine. After one year of storage chlorhexidine application improved the bond strength with D.T. Light-Post/Duo-link. With other posts and cements chlorhexidine application did not affect the bond strength. Conclusion2% chlorhexidine did not negatively affect the long-term bond strength of any material tested. Clinical significanceIrrigation of root canals with chlorhexidine, as indicated to prevent root canal infection during post placement, does not interfere with post bond strength when FRC posts are used.

Insights into Porcelain to Zirconia Bonding

The application of zirconia, ZrO2, as a biomaterial in medicine started in the early 1980s. Since then, numerous studies have been conducted on this special ceramic material to assess and discover its unique characteristics in practical biomedical applications. Also, zirconia has manifested its extraordinary advantages for use in dental clinical practice since the late 1990s, such as its excellent biocompatibility, good aesthetical appeal and outstanding biomechanical properties. With the development of fabrication methods and more extensive comprehension of this material, zirconia has been employed in more and more dental restorations from single crowns and root canal posts to long-span fixed dentures and, very recently, even as dental implants. However, there are still some drawbacks in its dental applications. Such drawbacks are its relatively weak bonding with porcelain when compared with metal-ceramic system, less reliable bonding with resin-based adhesives, and possible failures caused, e.g., by the effects of low temperature degradation. Although many studies have been carried out on porcelain to zirconia bonding, a thorough understanding of its real mechanism is still far from being achieved. The effects of different treatments before or during the veneering procedure are not clearly elucidated, thus they need further investigations. The aim of this article is to outline the characteristics of zirconia and descriptions of porcelain to zirconia interfacial bonding based on the research conducted in the past few years.

Effects of different surface treatments on the bond strength of glass fiber-reinforced composite root canal posts to composite core material

Background/purposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different surface treatments on the bond strength of glass fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts to composite core material. Materials and methodsA total of 18 FRC posts were randomly divided into six groups (n = 3), one of which was the untreated control group. Surface treatment of other groups were as follows: airborne particle abrasion with 50-μm Al2O3 powder at 60 psi for 10 seconds through a nozzle distance of 10 mm; etching with 4% hydrofluoric (HF) acid; and surface preparation with an Er:YAG laser under three different power settings (of 300, 400, and 500 mJ, at 2 Hz and 100 μS). A cylindrical Teflon mold was used to surround the treated posts, and the mold was filled with dual-cure composite core material. All samples were light-cured for 60 seconds through the top of the mold. After 24 hours of storage in water, specimens were sectioned perpendicular to the bonded interface under water cooling to obtain 2-mm thick post-and-core specimens. Each group consisted of 12 specimens. Push-out tests were performed at a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/minute using a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s honestly significant difference test (α = 0.05). ResultsThe lowest bond strength was observed in the Er:YAG 500-mJ group (6.14 ± 0.94 MPa). The acid-etched group revealed a higher bond strength (15.08 ± 0.92 MPa) than the control group. The highest bond strength was observed in the airborne-particle abrasion group [18.89 ± 0.83 MPa (P < 0.05)]. ConclusionEr:YAG laser treatments on the FRC post surface decreased the bond strength. Airborne-particle abrasion and HF acid etching are alternative methods for increasing bond strength of FRC posts to composite core material.

Fracture Load of Tooth Restored with Fiber Post and Experimental Short Fiber Composite

Purpose:This study evaluated the load bearing capacity of anatomically designed canines restored with FRC posts and experimental short fiber composite resin (FC). The effect of using three different types of tooth preparation and woven net on the fracture load was also investigated. Further aim was to evaluate the failure mode of each restoration. Material and methods:80 maxillary frasaco-canines were divided into 10 groups (n=8). The anatomic crowns were cut perpendicular at CEJ of the tooth. Group 1 was composed of teeth with flattened surface. Groups 2, 3 & 4 were prepared of teeth with 2 mm ferrule. In the third group, everStick Net was applied above the ferrule. Group 5 was composed of teeth with large box type preparation. The root canals were enlarged, sandblasted and then surface treated with Stick resin for 5 min. Two types of FRC root canal posts were used. The crowns were prepared either with composite resin or with FC. A static load until failure was applied to the crowns at a 45 degrees angle. Failure modes were visually examined. Results:ANOVA revealed that use of FRC-post and tooth preparation (p<0.001) had significant effect on fracture load of FRC-crown. The crowns made from only FC gave comparable fracture load to groups with FRC-post. No significant difference was found in load-bearing capacity between restorations reinforced with FRC net-substructure and those without (p>0.001). Chi-square test revealed that both, crown design and existence of FRC-post effected significantly fracture types (p<0.001).Conclusion:FC demonstrated similar load bearing capacity with restorations reinforced with FRC post. The presence of ferrule around the tooth increased the load bearing capacity significantly.Abbreviations:EET – endodontically treated teeth; FRC – fiber-reinforced composite; semi-IPN – semi-interpenetrating network; CEJ – cementoenamel junction; FC – experimental short fiber composite; SiC – silicon carbide abrasive paper; N – newton; FEM – finite element method.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of effect of root canal taper and post on tooth stress distribution

To evaluate the effect of root canal taper and post on tooth stress distribution. Three-dimensional finite element models of human mandibular first molar with root canals prepared with 35# K file, ProTaper and Profile were established. The tooth were restored with fiber-resin, stainless steel and silver amalgam posts respectively. A vertical load on tooth occlusal surface was simulated. Marc software was used to analyze and calculate the stress distributions in the tooth restored with three kinds of different root canal posts, especially the in the cervical part and root. Different tapered root canals had no obvious influence on stress distribution in all three different posts. Stress distribution of stainless steel post located at the cervical and middle part of distal root, the highest Von-Mises stress was about 45 MPa. Stress distribution of silver amalgam post located at the orifice of root canal and pulp fundus, the highest Von-Mises stress was about 16 MPa. Stress distribution of fiber-resin post had no obvious stress concentration. Fiber-resin post is the most ideal root canal post. Stainless steel post causes remarkable stress concentration in the root, which may raise the possibility of root fracture.

Rigidity, retention, and resistance of titanium versus double taper light root canal posts: An in vitro evaluation

to evaluate and compare the physical properties of titanium posts and double taper (DT) light posts. Sixty posts (30 titanium post and 30 DT light post) were selected and divided into three groups. In Group I: Ten posts of each type were subjected to a three-point bending test. In Group II: 20 posts extracted maxillary central incisors were restored with ten posts of each type and subjected to tensile loading. In Group III: 20 posts extracted maxillary central incisors were restored with ten posts of each type and subjected to compressive loading at an angle of 135°. The results showed that DT light posts were significantly less rigid (P <0.001), more retentive and significantly less resistant to fracture (P <0.001) as compared to titanium posts. It is suggested that although the DT light post system does not completely fulfill the requirements claimed by manufacturer but it would meet the requirements to combat the physiological forces operating in the oral cavity.