Fracture resistance of roots prosthetically restored with intra-radicular posts of different lengths

Intraradicular reinforcement of traumatized immature anterior teeth after MTA apexification

This review article describes the methods and clinical recommendations for reinforcing traumatized anterior immature teeth with pulp necrosis treated with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) apexification. Traumatic injury can cause pulp necrosis and incomplete root formation in immature teeth. MTA apexification is the treatment of choice for necrotic immature teeth, particularly during the middle or late stages of root development. MTA apexification has a high success rate; however, failures due to cervical or root fractures occasionally occur. The risk of fracture is higher in immature teeth with thin root dentin, particularly those with external root resorption. Furthermore, the loading force from any parafunctional habit also increases fracture risk. Therefore, intra-radicular reinforcement may be necessary after MTA apexification. In vitro, intraradicular restoration with a resin composite/core build-up material or a prefabricated fiber post demonstrated better root reinforcement than root canal obturation materials (i.e., gutta-percha and sealer). However, the root-reinforcement effect of MTA orthograde filling in the entire root canal remains unclear. In vivo, the survival of fractured teeth with intraradicular restorations (resin composite/core build-up material or prefabricated fiber posts) is extremely high. Moreover, the survival of teeth with gutta-percha/sealer obturation or MTA orthograde filling and restoration with resin composite extending into the cervical third of the root canal approximately 1-2 mm below the cemento-enamel junction is acceptably high. Based on this evidence, the remaining tooth/root structure and loading force should be carefully examined when considering intra-radicular reinforcement of immature anterior teeth treated with MTA apexification.

Comparison of the pull-out bond strength of endodontically treated anterior teeth with monolithic zirconia endocrown and post-and-core crown restorations

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the pull-out bond strength (PBS) of endodontically treated anterior teeth that had been restored with monolithic zirconia endocrowns using different extension depths (EDs) and post-and-core crowns after chewing simulation.

METHODS

Thirty-six maxillary central teeth were used (n = 12). Group I: Glass fiber post-and-core crown, Group II: Endocrown with 3-mm EDs, Group III: Endocrown with 5-mm EDs. Restorations were fabricated from monolithic zirconia blocks using a CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) device. For cementation, conventional resin luting agent (Multilink N) was used. All samples were aged with a chewing simulator and PBS tests were conducted at a speed of 1 mm/min using an electromechanical servo universal testing machine. The values were recorded in MPa by dividing the failure load by the bonding area. One-way ANOVA and the post-hoc Tukey test were used for statistical analysis (P = 0.05).

RESULTS

Group III demonstrated significantly greater PBS values than Groups I and II (P = 0.001). No significant difference was found between Groups I and II (P = 0.072).

CONCLUSION

Increasing the ED of an endocrown influences the PBS of endodontically treated anterior teeth restored with monolithic zirconia endocrowns.

The practicability of different preparation of mandibular molar restored by modified endocrown with intracanal extension: Computational analysis using finite element models

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Post-core-crown (PCC) and endocrown are two common restorative methods for severely damaged molars, but exhibit disadvantages. This study aimed to explore the practicability of modified endocrown with a 2 mm intracanal extension (MED) to restore defective teeth using finite element analysis (FEA).

METHODS

Five groups of numerical models of mandibular molars restored by three MEDs, a PCC, and a routine endocrown after root canal treatment were devised by FEA software. We constructed 4 mm, 3 mm, and 2 mm thickness of MED restorations to restore mandibular molars that were prepared to 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm from the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ). Furthermore, PCC and routine endocrown were used to compare the stress distribution with MED. Lithium disilicate glass-ceramics (EMAX) and resin nanoceramics (LU) were considered restorative materials, and a vertical load of 600 N and an oblique load of 200 N were applied to the restorations.

RESULTS

In three MEDs by LU, 2 mm thickness of restoration generated the highest stress on prepared teeth, while the thickness of EMAX did not significantly influence the stress value. MED by LU generated higher stress around the CEJ, and reduced the stress on the middle and lower root compared to MEDs by EMAX, PCC by EMAX, and PCC by LU. MED by EMAX caused lower stress around the CEJ, and generated higher stress in the chamber walls after extended root canals compared with MED by LU, endocrowns by LU, and endocrowns by EMAX. There was an evident stress concentration at the last but one layer, which was a thin area of the tooth root in all restorative models.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of modified endocrown may be considered an effective restorative method to restore defective mandibular molar, but suitable restorative material must be selected based on the tooth preparation method and deficiencies in the tooth structure.

In vitro fracture resistance of zirconia, glass-fiber, and cast metal posts with different lengths

Aim:

Post-and-core restorations require sufficient length of the post for retention of the prosthesis and root strength. The effect of different lengths of prefabricated zirconia posts (ZPs) on the fracture strength of endodontically treated teeth needs evaluation. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro fracture resistance of endodontically treated incisors restored with ZP, glass-fiber (GFP), and cast posts (CP) of different lengths.

Settings and Design:

Comparative in-vitro study.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty extracted incisors were endodontically treated, tooth preparations were carried out, and the impression of the coronal portion of each prepared tooth was made using polyvinyl siloxane impression material loaded in copper tubes. The coronal portion of each tooth was removed, maintaining a 2 mm ferrule. The teeth were restored with one of the three posts: CPs, GFP, or ZPs, with intraradicular lengths of either 6 or 8 mm (n = 10). The CP and core patterns were fabricated using post space impressions and core buildup and cast using Nickel–Chromium alloy. After composite resin core buildup of GFP and ZPs treated teeth using the previously made copper tube impressions, the teeth were loaded to fracture in an oblique direction in the universal testing machine.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey–Kramer tests (α = 0.05).

Results:

The highest and lowest values of fracture resistance were reported with ZP8 and GFP6 groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in fracture resistance between the posts of length 6 mm and 8 mm in CP, GFP, and ZP groups. There was no significant difference (P = 0.953) in fracture resistance between CP (284.8 N) and ZP (258.31 N) groups, while the GFP group (160.61 N) had a significantly lower value of fracture resistance than the CP and ZP groups. Two-way ANOVA test for fracture resistance of the post systems and post lengths showed that there was no significant correlation between the post systems and post length on the fracture resistance. There was a greater percentage of favorable fractures in GFP and ZP groups (65% each), than the CP group (20%).

Conclusion:

For the post systems tested, extending the post length does not significantly increase the fracture resistance of the restored teeth. The ZP represents a viable alternative to the cast metal post during the esthetic restoration of endodontically treated anterior teeth.

Effect of post space preparation drills on the incidence of root dentin defects

Objectives

This study investigated the incidence of root dentin defects after the use of different post space preparation (PSP) drills.

Materials and Methods

Seventy-two bovine incisors were selected and obtained 14-mm-long root sections. Twelve roots served as controls with no intervention (G1). The 60 root canals remaining were instrumented using the crown-down technique with the ProTaper Next system and obturated using the lateral condensation technique. Specimens were randomly distributed into 5 groups (n = 12) according to the operative steps performed: G2, root canal instrumentation and filling (I+F); G3, I+F and PSP with Gates-Glidden drills; G4, I+F and PSP with Largo-Peeso reamers; G5, I+F and PSP with Exacto drill; and G6, I+F and PSP with WhitePost drill. Roots were sectioned at 3, 6, 9, and 12 mm from the apex, and digital images were captured. The presence of root dentin defects was recorded. Data were analyzed by the χ² test, with p < 0.05 considered to indicate statistical significance.

Results

Root dentin defects were observed in 39.6% of the root sections. No defects were observed in G1. G5 had significantly more cracks and craze lines than G1, G2, and G3 (p < 0.05), and more fractures than G1, G2, G3, and G4 (p < 0.05). When all root sections were analyzed together, significantly more defects were observed at the 12-mm level than at the 3-mm level (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

PSP drills caused defects in the root dentin. Gates-Glidden drills caused fewer root defects than Largo-Peeso reamers and Exacto drills.

Adhesion of Two New Glass Fiber Post Systems Cemented with Self-Adhesive Resin Cements

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the adhesion strength of two new fiber post systems (FiberSite™ Post and Cytec™ Blanco Post) cemented with two different adhesive resin cements (Panavia™ SA and Maxcem™ Elite). Root canals of sixty extracted human mandibular premolars were prepared using ProTaper Universal™ rotary files (Dentsply Sirona Endodontics, York, PA, USA). The root canals were irrigated with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) during instrumentation. After root canal preparation, the canals were irrigated with 2 mL of 17% EDTA (1 min), followed by 2 mL of 5.25% (5 min) NaOCI, and 2 mL saline. The root canals were dried with paper points and divided randomly into two study groups (n = 30) according to the type of post system: Group 1, FiberSite™ Post (MegaDental, Partanna, Italy); and group 2, Cytec™ Blanco Post (Hahnenkratt, Königsbach-Stein, Germany), with one of the two adhesive resin cements: Subgroup A, Panavia™ SA Cement Plus Automix (Kuraray, Osaka, Japan); subgroup B, Maxcem™ Elite (Kerr, Orange, CA, USA). Following thermocycling, the adhesion strength was evaluated using the push-out adhesion (bond) strength test. Fractographic analysis was performed using stereomicroscope. The data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (p = 0.05). The adhesion strength values of both the posts were significantly higher when cemented with subgroup B (Maxcem™ Elite). The highest adhesion strength value was demonstrated by group 1B (FiberSite™ post cemented with Maxcem™ Elite cement). The type of post did not have a significant impact on the bond strength values for either cement material.

Effect of fiber post length and abutment height on fracture resistance of endodontically treated premolars prepared for zirconia crowns

The purpose of this study was to compare the fracture resistance, mode of fracture, and stress distribution of endodontically treated teeth prepared with three different fiber post lengths and two different abutment heights, using both experimental and finite element (FE) approaches. Forty-eight human maxillary premolars with two roots were selected and endodontically treated. The teeth were randomly distributed into six equally sized groups (n = 8) with different combinations of post lengths (7.5, 11, and 15 mm) and abutment heights (3 and 5 mm). All the teeth restored with glass fiber post (Rely X Fiber Post, 3M ESPE, USA) and a full zirconia crown. All the specimens were thermocycled and then loaded to failure at an oblique angle of 135°. Statistical analysis was performed for the effects of post length and abutment height on failure loads using ANOVA and Tukey's honestly significant difference test. In addition, corresponding FE models of a premolar restored with a glass fiber post were developed to examine mechanical responses. The factor of post length (P < 0.01) had a significant effect on failure load. The abutment height (P > 0.05) did not have a significant effect on failure load. The highest mean fracture resistance was recorded for the 15 mm post length and 5 mm abutment height test group, which was significantly more resistant to fracture than the 7.5 mm post and 5 mm abutment height group (P < 0.05). The FE analysis showed the peak compression and tension stress values of 7.5 mm post length were higher than that of 11 and 15 mm post length. The stress value of remaining tooth decreased as the post length was increased. Within the limitations of this experimental and FE analysis study, increasing the post length inside the root of endodontically treated premolar teeth restored with glass-fiber posts increase the fracture resistance to non-axial forces. Failure mode is more favorable with reduced abutment heights.

Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Roots Restored with Fiber Posts Using Different Resin Cements- An In-vitro Study

INTRODUCTION

The influence of the remaining coronal tooth structure along with intra-radicular esthetic posts increases fracture resistance of fractured teeth especially in the anterior region. The advent of resin based luting cements improves the adhesion of fiber posts.

AIM

To evaluate the fracture resistance of endodontically treated roots restored with fiber posts using different resin cements - Calibra (etch and rinse), PermaFlo® DC (self-etch primer) and SmartCem2 (self-adhesive).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Extracted human maxillary central incisors having similar dimensions were decoronated at the Cemento-Enamel Junction (CEJ) to create 16mm long specimens and endodontically treated. A total of 45 teeth were divided into three groups with 15 teeth each for cementation of easy fiber posts (size1, 0.8mm diameter). Post spaces were prepared to a depth of 10mm. Group 1 - Caulk 34% phosphoric acid gel, dual cure adhesive Prime and Bond NT followed by luting of post with Calibra cement. Group 2 - Ultra - etch then Primer A and Primer B, and PermaFlo® DC was used to cement the post. Group 3 - SmartCem2 [1:1 ratio] was used to cement the post. The excess lengths of posts were seared and teeth were mounted on acrylic blocks and loaded under compressive force to the long axis of the tooth which increased in periodic pattern of 1mm/min. The value of the force at which each root section gets fractured was noted. The data were statistically analysed using ANOVA and Tukey's Test.

RESULTS

The mean fracture load (and SD) were as follows Group 1 - 762.400 (251.490); Group 2 - 662.933 (206.709); Group 3 - 657.800 (57.372). No statistically significant differences were seen among all three Groups, p-value (0.228).

CONCLUSION

Posts cemented using self -adhesive resin cement SmartCem2 have highest fracture resistance and bonding efficacy of self-adhesive technique showed reliably better results but was comparable to total-etch and self-etch techniques.

Fracture resistance of teeth with oval canal morphology restored using oval and circular posts

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of different post morphologies and placement lengths on the fracture resistance of teeth with oval canal morphology that had been restored with crowns. Extracted mandibular premolars with similar dimensions were decoronated. After the root canal treatment, the teeth were mounted on acrylic blocks. Samples were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 each). In groups C-10 and C-5, 10-mm- and 5-mm-long circular post spaces were created. In groups O-10 and O-5, 10-mm- and 5-mm-long oval post spaces were ultrasonically created. After post cementation, all specimens were restored with composite cores and prepared at height of 6 mm. Thereafter, all teeth were restored with crowns. After thermocycling, all specimens underwent fracture resistance testing. Oval posts and placement at 10-mm depth showed higher fracture resistance than circular posts and placement at 5-mm depth (P < 0.001). Increased post length and use of oval posts enhanced the fracture strength of teeth with oval canal morphology. Based on the results of this study, although the fracture resistance of teeth restored with crowns was enhanced by deep fiber post placement, the use of oval fiber post is recommended in cases where deep placement is impossible. (J Oral Sci 58, 339-345, 2016).

Complications of endodontically treated teeth restored with fiber posts and single crowns or fixed dental prostheses-a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The present systematic review aimed at assessing data from the literature on endodontic and prosthetic complications in endodontically treated teeth restored with fiber posts and single crowns (SCs) or fixed dental prostheses (FDPs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Available randomized controlled clinical trials evaluating endodontic and prosthetic complications in the teeth treated with fiber posts and restored with different prosthetic restorations were reviewed. PubMed, Evidence-Based Dentistry, BMJ Clinical Evidence, Embase, DynaMed, and gray literature restricted to scientific literature were analyzed; also, manual researches were performed. English language and time filters (from 1990 to 2015) were used.

RESULTS

The database search produced 4230 records, many of which were duplicates. The manual research did not produce any other relevant article. After duplications were removed, all the selected databases produced 3670 records. Reading titles and abstracts, two independent reviewers excluded 3664 reports. The full-texts of the remaining six reports were read. Only four studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review.

CONCLUSIONS

The most frequently reported failures in the available studies were as follows: fiber post debonding, loss of retention of single crowns, and marginal gaps. Less frequently, chippings and fractures were recorded in SCs. No studies about complications related to FDPs were found.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A correlation between the failure rates of fiber posts and the type of prosthetic restorations just like SCs and FDPs cannot be found to date. Further randomized controlled clinical studies are required to achieve evidence-based conclusions, particularly about the use of fiber posts with FDPs.

Effect of 1-Piece Post and Core Fabrication Techniques on Fracture Strength

Purpose

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the fracture strengths of post and core systems produced with different fabrication techniques and materials.

Methods

Forty extracted human single-root premolars were used in this study. After root canal treatment, the teeth were randomly divided into 4 groups of 10 each as follows: group C: metallic 1-piece posts and cores fabricated by casting, and serving as the control; group CM: metallic posts and cores fabricated with the copy milled technique; group LS: 1-piece posts and cores fabricated with the laser sintering technique; and group ZR: 1-piece zirconia posts and cores fabricated with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM). The posts and cores were cemented to the teeth with adhesive resin cement; then, the specimens were mounted to acrylic resin blocks, attached to an Instron Universal Testing Machine, and loaded with a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min, until fracture. Data were statistically analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the post hoc Tukey test (α = 0.05).

Results

The highest fracture results were found in group ZR (315.4 ± 53.4 N), which showed significant differences from all other groups (p<0.05). The lowest test values were found in group C (230.2 ± 29.8 N). Group LS (250.9 ± 29.0 N), group CM (253.0 ± 22.4 N) and group C did not show any significant differences (p>0.05).

Conclusions

Custom-made zirconia 1-piece posts and cores, fabricated using the CAD-CAM procedure, can be an alternative treatment method when compared with other techniques.

Fiber-post bond strength in canals obturated with a cross-linked gutta-percha core obturator

The aim of this in-vitro study was to evaluate the bond strength of fiber posts cemented in a root canal filled using various root-canal obturation techniques. A total of 33 monoradicular samples, treated endodontically, were randomly assigned to three groups according to the root-canal obturation technique: group 1, continuous-wave technique; group 2, plastic-obturator-core technique; and group 3, cross-linked gutta-percha obturator-core technique. Fiber posts were luted in each sample and each was sectioned perpendicular to the post axis. The push-out test was performed using a universal machine and the maximum failure load was recorded in MPa mm(-2) . Several samples were randomly chosen for scanning electron microscopy evaluation. The mean debris and dentinal tubule-opening scores were calculated separately in the coronal and apical portions. Bond strength was significantly higher in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3. Debris scores were significantly higher in the apical portion of groups 2 and 3 than in group 1. Within the limitations of this study it can be affirmed that thermoplasticized alpha gutta-percha seemed to worsen the cleaning of post-space walls and hence reduced fiber-post bond strength.

Fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with glass fiber posts of different lengths

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Endodontically treated teeth are known to have reduced structural strength. Glass fiber posts may influence fracture resistance and should be evaluated.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of glass fiber post length on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty intact human maxillary canines were selected and divided into 4 groups, the control group consisting of teeth restored with a custom gold cast post and core, with a length of two-thirds of the root. Other groups received prefabricated glass fiber posts in different lengths: group 1/3, removal of one-third of the sealing material (5 mm); group 1/2, removal of one-half of the sealing material (7.5 mm); and group 2/3, removal of two-thirds of the sealing material (10 mm). All the posts were cemented with resin cement, and the specimens with glass fiber posts received a composite resin core. All the specimens were restored with a metal crown and submitted to a compressive load until failure occurred. The results were evaluated by 1-way ANOVA, and the all pairwise multiple comparison procedures (Tukey honestly significantly difference test) (α=.05).

RESULTS

The ANOVA showed significant differences among the groups (P<.002). The Tukey test showed that the control group presented significantly higher resistance to static load than the other groups (control group, 634.94 N; group 1/3, 200.01 N; group 1/2, 212.17 N; and group 2/3, 236.08 N). Although teeth restored with a cast post and core supported a higher compressive load, all of them fractured in a catastrophic manner. For teeth restored with glass fiber posts, the failure occurred at the junction between the composite resin core and the root.

CONCLUSION

The length of glass fiber posts did not influence fracture load, but cast post and cores that extended two-thirds of the root length had significantly greater fracture resistance than glass fiber posts.

Influence of remaining coronal structure and of the marginal design on the fracture strength of roots restored with cast post and core

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture strength of roots that were prosthetically restored with cast post and core with or without any remaining coronal structure and with different finish lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty bovine incisors were sectioned below the cementoenamel junction, endodontically treated and randomly divided into six experimental groups (n = 10) containing teeth with or without any remaining coronal structure and with a beveled shoulder, a chanfered or a shoulder finish line design. The cast post and core were luted with dual-cured resin cement. The metal crowns were cemented with zinc phosphate cement. The specimens were subjected to a tangential compressive load (135° angle) at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until failure, using a universal testing machine. The fracture strength data were analyzed using the ANOVA and LSMeans (least square means) tests (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

The data indicated that the teeth with 2 mm of remaining coronal structure showed the highest fracture strength values when compared with the teeth without any remaining structure (p < 0.05). As to the different finish line designs, the highest fracture strength values were obtained for the beveled shoulder, followed by the chanfered and then by the shoulder designs (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

It may be concluded that, to increase fracture strength, a beveled shoulder and 2 mm of remaining coronal structure are the ideal conditions.

Resistance to compression of weakened roots subjected to different root reconstruction protocols

Objective

This study evaluated, in vitro, the fracture resistance of human non-vital teeth restored with different reconstruction protocols.

Material and methods

Forty human anterior roots of similar shape and dimensions were assigned to four groups (n=10), according to the root reconstruction protocol: Group I (control): non-weakened roots with glass fiber post; Group II: roots with composite resin by incremental technique and glass fiber post; Group III: roots with accessory glass fiber posts and glass fiber post; and Group IV: roots with anatomic glass fiber post technique. Following post cementation and core reconstruction, the roots were embedded in chemically activated acrylic resin and submitted to fracture resistance testing, with a compressive load at an angle of 45º in relation to the long axis of the root at a speed of 0.5 mm/min until fracture. All data were statistically analyzed with bilateral Dunnett's test (α=0.05).

Results

Group I presented higher mean values of fracture resistance when compared with the three experimental groups, which, in turn, presented similar resistance to fracture among each other. None of the techniques of root reconstruction with intraradicular posts improved root strength, and the incremental technique was suggested as being the most recommendable, since the type of fracture that occurred allowed the remaining dental structure to be repaired.

Conclusion

The results of this in vitro study suggest that the healthy remaining radicular dentin is more important to increase fracture resistance than the root reconstruction protocol.

Deproteinization technique stabilizes the adhesion of the fiberglass post relined with resin composite to root canal

To evaluate the effects of pretreatment of root dentin by 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) alone, associated with 2% chlorhexidine in gel base (CHX) and/or ethanol (EtOH), and the air-drying technique (Air) on the bond strength and adhesive durability of fiberglass post relined with resin composite to root dentin. A total of 100 bovine incisor roots were divided into 10 groups: G1 (control), irrigation with physiologic solution; G2, Air; G3, NaOCl; G4, NaOCl + Air; G5, NaOCl + EtOH; G6, NaOCl + EtOH + Air; G7, NaOCl + CHX; G8, NaOCl + CHX + Air; G9, NaOCl + CHX + EtOH; G10, NaOCl + CHX + EtOH + Air. Fiberglass post relined with resin composite was cemented and each group was randomly divided into two subgroups: 24 h of water storage and 12 months of water storage. The push-out test was performed and bond strength values were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test. The use of NaOCl alone or associated with CHX had the highest values of bond strength with or without Air in the immediate and stored groups, being statistically similar to the immediate control group (p > 0.05). The groups using EtOH or Air alone had lower bond strength in the immediate and stored groups (p < 0.05). A significant decrease with the time of the bond strength in the control group was observed after 12 months of storage (p > 0.05). The use of NaOCl or NaOCl associated with CHX preserved the bond strength immediate and for 12 months. The air-drying technique and the other associations decreased the immediate bond strength values.

Influence of remaining coronal structure and finish line on the fracture strength of roots restored with metallic posts

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture strength of roots that were prosthetically restored with metallic posts with or without any remaining coronal structure and with different finish lines. Sixty bovine incisors were sectioned below the cementoenamel junction, endodontically treated, and randomly divided into six experimental groups (n = 10) containing teeth with or without any remaining coronal structure, and with a beveled shoulder, a bevel, or a shoulder finish line design. The metallic posts were luted with dual-cured resin cement. The cores were made with composite resin, and metal crowns were cemented with zinc phosphate cement. The specimens were subjected to a tangential compressive load (135º angle) at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until failure, using a universal testing machine. The fracture strength data were analyzed using the ANOVA and LSMeans (least square means) tests (α= 0.05). The data indicated that the teeth with 2 mm of remaining coronal structure showed the highest fracture strength values when compared with the teeth without any remaining structure (p < 0.05). As to the different finish line designs, the highest fracture strength values were obtained for the beveled shoulder, followed by the bevel and then by the shoulder designs (p < 0.05). It may be concluded that, to increase fracture strength, a beveled shoulder and 2 mm of remaining coronal structure are the ideal conditions.

Appropriateness of viscoelastic soft materials as in vitro simulators of the periodontal ligament

The periodontal ligament is a viscoelastic soft tissue that connects the tooth to the alveolar bone. This tissue should be simulated in numerical as well as in laboratory models. The mechanical properties of this tissue were previously determined ex vivo and in vivo. The aim of the study was to analyse the appropriateness of impression and reline materials used in dentistry to simulate viscoelastic behaviour of the periodontal ligament. Two reline [Durabase (Reliance Dental MFG, Co.) and Soft Liner (GC Corporation)] and two impression [President Plus (Coltene) and Prestige L (Vanini Dental Industry)] materials were examined in recovery and tensile relaxation tests. Recovery: This experiment simulated in vivo test. Roots of a pair of plastic maxillary premolar teeth were covered with each test material and embedded in acryl while maintaining the contact point. A 0·1-mm stainless steel strip, inserted at the contact point and maintained for 10 s, was used to tip the teeth. After removal, the tightness of dental contact point was measured over 30 min by determining the force needed to insert a 0·05-mm metal strip. Tensile relaxation: strips were elongated to 120%, 140% and 160% of their initial length and maintained at that length for 30 min. Two-phase decay function was applied. The results showed that elastic modulus and relaxation behaviour were significantly different between materials. Elastic modulus values were in the same range of those reported in the literature. However, the recovery values and behaviour showed that impression materials, especially President, are the materials of choice for this purpose because they simulated better the in vivo test.

Effect of root-canal sealer on the bond strength of fiberglass post to root dentin

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of different root-canal sealers on the bond strength of a fiberglass post cemented with self-adhesive resin cements.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty extracted maxillary single-rooted canines were prepared with the crown-down technique and randomly divided into four groups according to the tested sealer: Group 1: control group, gutta-percha cone only (no sealer); Group 2: EndoREZ; Group 3: Sealapex; Group 4: Endofill. The roots were obturated with the gutta-percha cone using the cold lateral compaction technique. Fiberglass posts were cemented into the prepared post spaces with the self-adhesive cement RelyX Unicem. Bonded specimens were sectioned into 1-mm thick slabs and a push-out test was performed in a universal machine.

RESULTS

Data were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05). No significant difference was detected between Groups 1-3 (P > 0.05). Group 4 showed a lower bond strength than the other sealers (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Endofill negatively interfered with the bond to root dentine; however, EndoRez and Sealapex did not affect the bond strength of the fiberglass post cemented with self-adhesive resin cements.