Comparative evaluation of fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with and without horizontal posts, using packable and bulkfill flowable composite: An in vitro study

Abstract

Introduction: Root canal therapy is often required due to the pulpal and periradicular infection after coronal hard tissue loss. A high risk of biomechanical failure is associated with loss of structural integrity with endodontically treated teeth. Prognosis is affected by various parameters, such as extent of tooth structure loss, ferrule height, post and cores, and materials used for restoration. Aim: The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth with mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavities restored with horizontal glass fiber resin posts and composite. Materials and Methods: Ninety intact extracted maxillary molars were collected, subjected to endodontic treatment, and were divided into 6 groups (n = 15): Group 1 (control group, untreated teeth), Group 2 (cavity without restoration), Group 3a (cavity restored with Neo Spectra ST), Group 3b (cavity restored with Neo Spectra ST after placement of horizontal glass fiber resin posts), Group 4a (cavity restored with SDR Plus), and Group 4b (cavity restored with SDR Plus after placement of horizontal fiber resin posts). Then samples were subjected to a universal testing machine for evaluation. Data were statistically analyzed. Results: The mean (standard deviation) fracture load among groups was 354.46 N (±31.15N) to 1241.73 N (±29.97N). Significant statistical difference at P < 0.05 was present between the groups, Group 1>Group 4b>Group 3b>Group 4a>Group 3a>Group 2. Conclusion: Under the limitations of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that samples of MOD cavities in endodontically treated teeth, when incorporated with horizontal glass fiber resin posts, resulted in higher fracture resistance.