Influence of the endodontic access cavity design and restorative technique on hard tissue removal and fracture resistance of mandibular premolars

This study assessed the influence of traditional (TradAC) and conservative access (ConsAC) with different restorative techniques on the percentage of hard tissue removed (%HTR) and on the fracture resistance of mandibular premolars. 45 premolars were scanned in a micro-computed tomography and assigned into four groups according to access (TradAC or ConsAC) and restorative technique: composite resin (CR) or fiber post (FP) + CR. After post preparation, the teeth were rescanned to determine the volume enlargement and %HTR from the crown and root canal. After restoration, the load at fracture was recorded. Data were analyzed statistically by one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test, ANOVA repeated measure, and chi-square tests (P<0.05). TradAC (RC or FP) resulted in the increase (Δ%) of root canal volume and hard tissue removed up to 14 mm (%) in comparison with ConsAC (RC or FP). TradAC + FP removed a greater percentage of hard tissue from the crown when compared to TradAC + CR. The percentage of hard tissue removed in the crown in the ConsAC groups was statistically lower than in the TradAC groups. The control group showed higher fracture resistance than all experimental groups, with no differences among the latter. Restorable fracture patterns were more prevalent. Traditional endodontic access cavities removed a higher percentage of dentine than conservative endodontic access cavities. However, no differences in fracture resistance were observed. Restorations using composite resin or fiber post associated with composite resin showed similar results of fracture resistance.

Customized Fiber Post Improves the Bond Strength and Dentinal Penetrability of Resin Cementation System to Root Dentin

SUMMARY Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fiber post customization on the bond strength (24 hours and 6 months), resin cement thickness, and dentinal penetrability of Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose – RelyX ARC (AS-RA), RelyX U200 (R2), and Scotchbond Universal – RelyX Ultimate (SU-RU) cementation systems to root dentin from the cervical-, middle-, and apical-thirds of the post space. Methods: One hundred twenty bovine incisors were endodontically treated. After post space preparation, the roots were divided into six groups, according to the luting protocols (AS–RA, R2, SU– RU) and the type of fiber post [noncustomized post (NC) and customized post (C)]. Customization procedures were peformed using a resin composite (Z350 XT). 24 hours (n=60) or 6 months later (n=60), specimens from the cervical-, middle-, and apical-thirds of the post space were submitted to cementation system thickness measurement, bond strength evaluation, and dentinal penetrability analysis with Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). Failure mode was classified as adhesive, cohesive, or mixed. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05). Results: Cementation protocols with customized fiber posts presented the lowest cementation system thickness, regardless of the cementation system or post space-third (p&lt;0.05), and the highest bond strength values (p&lt;0.05), regardless of the third space (p&gt;0.05), for both periods (24 hours or 6 months). The comparison of push-out bond strength values between 24 hours and 6 months showed a reduction in all groups for the cervical-third (p&lt;0.05). For the middle-third, only noncustomized groups showed reduction (p&lt;0.05). For the apical-third, no reduction was observed (p&gt;0.05). Conclusions: Anatomical customization favored both the bond strength of cements to dentin and the dentinal penetrability, but with lower cementation system thickness, regardless of cement composition and adhesive strategy.

A case report of sub-gingival cervical crown fracture reattachment using fiber post- A 22 months follow up

A 15‐year‐old male presented to the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics immediately after a facial injury having complain of persistent pain in the teeth and the front upper lips. Upon examination it was revealed trauma of the upper incisors, also injury to the marginal gingiva of the front teeth. Further inspections showed slight laceration of the oral mucosa in the lower labial sulcus. Radiographic examination revealed fracture of crown of maxillary central incisor. The treatment plan which was decided comprised of complete removal of fractured crown followed by root canal therapy and immediate post placement and reattachment of the crown.

Effectiveness of different fiber post removal techniques and their influence on dentinal microcrack formation

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different fiber post removal techniques and to correlate dentinal loss with microcrack formation. Materials and methods Forty-five extracted single-rooted teeth were root canal treated and fiber posts were adhesively luted. Specimens were divided into three groups (n = 15) according to the removal technique: long-shaft round bur (EndoTracer #08, Komet, Lemgo, Germany), SonicFlex Endo (KaVo, Biberach, Germany), DT Post Removal Kit (VDW, Munich, Germany). Roots were scanned before post cementation and after post removal using micro-computed tomography. Dentin loss, residual luting material, working time, and the induction of microcracks were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed by using multiple contrast tests (max-t tests, α = 0.05). Correlations between parameters dentin loss/new microcracks and dentin loss/residual material were calculated using Kendall’s tau. Results Post removal with SonicFlex Endo resulted in the highest amount of removed dentin with significant differences to the round bur and the DT Post Removal Kit. No technique was found to completely remove the post and luting material. All techniques induced microcracks with the DT Post Removal Kit presenting the highest number of new defects. No correlation between dentin loss and new microcracks was observed. Deviations from the original root canal occurred in all groups, but no perforation was observed. Conclusions All techniques resulted in dentin loss, residual luting material, and the formation of microcracks. However, no correlation between dentin loss and the induction of microcracks was observed. Clinical relevance As all techniques resulted in microcrack formation and dentin loss, this study emphasizes the risk of iatrogenic damage due to post removal procedures.

Clinical Performance of Cast Metal and Fiber Post Retained Restorations in Endodontically Treated Teeth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the available literature to evaluate the clinical performance of different post systems for the rehabilitation of endodontically treated teeth (ETT). Clinical Significance: The loss of structural integrity of endodontically treated teeth usually requires the use of intra-radicular posts for the retention of the final restoration. The recent literature has reported controversial results regarding the clinical performance of different systems. Material and Methods: An electronic search restricted to the English language was performed up to May 31, 2020. Articles were selected if they met the following criteria: cohort studies and randomized clinical trials comparing the failure rate incidence between fiber and cast metal post, with a mean follow-up of 3 years. Results: 24 studies (14 cohort studies and 10 RCTs) published between 2000 and 2018 were included in this review. For cast metal posts, 210 cases were classified as failures (17.07%), and for fiber posts, 423 were classified as failures (10.6%). An unpaired t-test revealed that cast metal and fiber post values were not significantly different (p = 0.58) with the difference between means of 5.00 with 95% confidence of interval (-13.38 to 23.39). Four studies that presented cast metal and fiber posts groups were combined in the meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in the general failure analysis (risk ratio of 0.59 [95% CI: 0.30 to 1.18]; p = 0.13). Conclusions: Based on the present analysis results, the clinical performance of ETT restored with either cast metal- or fiber post-retained restorations presented similar results.

Evaluation of New Hollow Sleeve Composites for Direct Post-Core Construction

The preset shape and diameter of a prefabricated FRC post rarely follows the anatomy of the root canal. To solve this problem, a new hollow sleeve composite (HSC) system for post-core construction was developed and characterized. A woven fiber was impregnated with two types of resins: Bis-GMA or PMMA, and rolled into cylinders with outer diameter of 2 mm and two different inner diameters, namely 1.2 or 1.5 mm. The commercial i-TFC system was used as a control. Dual-cure resin composite was injected into these sleeves. Additionally, conventional solid fiber post was used as the inner part of the sleeve. The three-point bending test was used to measure the mechanical properties of the specimens and the fracture surface was examined using an electron microscope (SEM). The HSC (1.5 mm, Bis-GMA) revealed a statistically similar flexural modulus but higher flexural strength (437 MPa) compared to i-TFC (239 MPa; ANOVA, p < 0.05). When a fiber post was added inside, all values had a tendency to increase. After hydrothermal accelerated aging, the majority of specimens showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in flexural strength and modulus. SEM fracture analysis confirmed that the delamination occurred at the interface between the outer and inner materials. The HSC system provided flexibility but still high mechanical values compared to the commercial system. Thus, this system might offer an alternative practical option for direct post-core construction.