Biomechanical behavior of molars restored with direct and indirect restorations in combination with deep margin elevation

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The existing knowledge is insufficient for comprehending the fatigue survival and fracture resistance of molars that have deep approximal direct and indirect restorations, whether with or without deep margin elevation (DME).

PURPOSE

The aim of this laboratory and in silico study is to investigate the fatigue survival, fracture strength, failure pattern and tooth deformation of molars restored with DME in combination with a direct or indirect restoration.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study utilized 45 extracted sound human molars, divided into three groups (n = 15). Standardized 100% inter-cuspal inlay preparations were performed, extending 2 mm below the CEJ and immediate dentin sealing (IDS) was applied. Group 1 (Co_1) was restored with direct composite; Group 2 (Hyb_2) with a 2 mm DME of direct composite and a glass-ceramic lithium disilicate restoration; Group 3 (Cer_3) a glass-ceramic lithium disilicate restoration. All specimens were exposed to a fatigue process involving thermal-cyclic loading (50N for 1.2 × 106 cycles at 1.7 Hz, between 5 and 55 °C), if teeth survived, they were fractured using a load-to-failure test and failure types were analyzed. Finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted to assess tooth deformation and tensile stress in the restorations. Statistical evaluation of fracture strength was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Fisher's exact test was utilized to analyze the fracture types and repairability. A statistical significance level of α < 0.05 was set for all analyses.

RESULTS

All specimens successfully withstood the fatigue testing procedure, and no statistically significant differences in fracture strength were observed among the three groups (P > 0.05). The Fisher's exact test indicated a significant association between the restorative material and fracture type (F2 = 18.315, df = 2, P = 0.004), but also for repairability (F2 = 13.725, df = 2, P = 0.001). Crown-root fractures were significantly more common in the Cer_3 group compared to the Co_1 group (P = 0.001) and the Co_1 group had significantly more repairable fractures (F2 = 13.197, df = 2, P = 0.001). FEA revealed comparable outcomes of deformation among models and higher maximum tensile stress on models with higher frequency of catastrophic failures.

CONCLUSIONS

All tested restoration materials exhibited comparable fatigue survival and fracture strength in this laboratory and in silico study. However, it is important to recognize the potential for more severe and irreparable fractures when opting for deeply luted glass-ceramic inlay restorations in clinical practice. In such cases, it would be prudent to consider the alternative option being a direct composite approach, because of its more forgiving fracture types and repairability.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Molars with deep approximal direct and indirect restorations, whether with or without DME, are comparable in their fatigue survival and fracture resistance to withstand intra-oral forces. Deep direct restorations exhibit more repairable fractures compared to deeply luted glass-ceramics.

Interface analysis after fatigue loading of adhesively luted bundled fiber posts to human root canal dentin

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the fatigue loading behavior and fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with adhesively luted bundled fiber posts in comparison to solid fiber posts. Image analysis (2D and 3D) was applied to evaluate modes of failure and to characterize susceptible parts of the post-and-core interface.

METHOD

Crowns of 72 human similar-sized central upper incisors were removed and roots received a conventional root canal filling prior to establishing 4 groups of core build-up: No Post group (nP) received a 4 mm deep filling made of composite inside the canal with no dental post, fiber post group (FP) received a conventional solid post, and two experimental groups received bundles of 6 (FB6) or 12 (FB12) 0.3 mm thin fiber posts, respectively. Posts were placed adhesively inside the root canal using a dual-curing build-up composite in combination with a self-etch adhesive, the latter was also used for nP group. Upon completion of core build-ups, all teeth received full-ceramic crowns that recreated the original tooth form. Samples were subjected in a 135° angle to thermo-mechanical loading (TML) for 1.2 Mill. chewing cycles followed by static load tests (fracture resistance). Fracture modes as well as intracanal failure modes with respect to failed interfaces were analyzed using optical and electron microscopy (SEM). Microcomputer tomography (μCT) was used to exemplary compare pre and post TML geometries.

RESULTS

Static load test was significantly different between groups (p < 0.0005; Kruskal-Wallistest). Pairwise comparison showed that the nP group (221 ± 103N) failed at significantly lower forces compared to the FP (454 ± 184N), FB6 (477 ± 250N) and FB12 (478 ± 260N) groups (p ≤ 0,001; Mann-Whitney-U-test). Fracture modes were significantly affected by the presence or absence of a post (p ≤ 0,016; Chi-square test) revealing increased incidence of restorable fractures at the cervical region for nP group. Microscopic analysis revealed more intracanal failures at interfaces between post surfaces and composite for solid posts, whereas fiber bundled posts mostly failed at the interfaces between composite and dentin. Micro-CT analysis showed no alterations of the root-post-and-core structure after TML except slight deformations of occasionally entrapped voids.

CONCLUSION

Fracture resistance and fracture modes were significantly affected by the presence or absence of a post, whereas the investigated post groups did not differ from each other. However intracanal failure revealed differences in adhesive failures between solid fiber posts and bundled fiber posts. Deformations of entrapped voids, revealed by micro-Ct analyses after TML, lead to the assumption that applied forces result in alterations in the regions of voids.

Influence of Deep Margin Elevation and preparation design on the fracture strength of indirectly restored molars

The objectives of this in-vitro study were to investigate the influence of Deep Margin Elevation (DME) and the preparation design (cusp coverage) on the fracture strength and repairability of CAD/CAM manufactured lithium disilicate (LS₂) restorations on molars. Sound extracted human molars (n = 60) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 15) (inlay without DME (InoD); inlay with DME (IWD); onlay without DME (OnoD); onlay with DME (OnWD)). All samples were aged (1.2 × 10⁶ cycles of 50N, 8000 cycles of 5-55 °C) followed by oblique static loading until fracture. Fracture strength was measured in Newton and the fracture analysis was performed using a (scanning electron) microscope. Data was statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA and contingency tables. DME did not affect the fracture strength of LS₂ restorations to a statistically significant level (p = .15). Onlays were stronger compared to inlays (p = .00). DME and preparation design did not interact (p = .97). However, onlays with DME were significantly stronger than inlays without DME (p = .00). More repairable fractures were observed among inlays (p = .00). Catastrophic, crown-root fractures were more prevalent in onlays (p = .00). DME did not influence repairability of fractures or fracture types to a statistically significant level (p > .05). Within the limitations of this in-vitro study, DME did not statistical significantly affect the fracture strength, nor the fracture type or repairability of LS₂ restorations in molars. Cusp coverage did increase the fracture strength. However, oblique forces necessary to fracture both inlays and onlays, either with or without DME, by far exceeded the bite forces that can be expected under physiological clinical conditions. Hence, both inlays and onlays are likely to be fracture resistant during clinical service.

Failure loads of all-ceramic cantilever fixed dental prostheses on post-restored abutment teeth: influence of the post presence and post position

The influence of a fiber post-restored abutment tooth on the load capability of a three-unit zirconia framework cantilever fixed dental prosthesis (cFDP) was evaluated after simulated clinical function. Human lower sound premolars (n = 64) were distributed, in equal numbers, to four experimental groups: two vital abutment teeth (group I; control); mesial abutment tooth post-restored (group II); distal abutment tooth post-restored (group III); and mesial and distal abutment teeth post-restored (group IV). All specimens received an adhesively luted three-unit cFDP of veneered zirconia. Simulated clinical function was performed by two subsequent sequences of thermal-cycling (2 × 3,000 cycles) and mechanical loading (1.2 × 10⁶ load cycles from 0 to 50 N) (TCML). Four specimens failed during TCML (one in each of groups I and IV and two in group II). The maximum load capability ranged from 365 to 538 N and was not significantly different between groups. Specimens with post-restored abutments failed mainly because of abutment tooth fracture of the distal abutment. The presence or position of post-restored abutment teeth has no significant impact on load capability of all-ceramic three-unit cFDPs. The risk of tooth fracture of the distal abutment teeth of a cFDP was significantly increased when one abutment tooth, irrespective of its position, was post-and-core restored.

Direct restoration of endodontically treated maxillary central incisors: post or no post at all?

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this ex-vivo study was to evaluate the impact of cavity size and glass-fiber post (GFP) placement on the load capability of endodontically treated maxillary incisors directly restored with resin composite.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-six extracted human maxillary central incisors were endodontically treated and distributed to four groups (n = 24): access cavity (A), access cavity and uni-proximal class III cavity (U), access cavity and bi-proximal class III cavity (B), and decoronated tooth (D). Specimens were restored with resin composite, and 12 specimen of each group received an adhesively placed glass-fiber post (P). Prior to linear loading, specimens were exposed to thermo-mechanical loading (TCML). Statistical analysis was performed using log-rank test after TCML, Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test to compare load capabilities (F_max).

RESULTS

Significantly more failures occurred in group D for specimens without GFP during TCML (p = 0.001). F_max (mean (SD) in N was (A) 513 (124), (AP) 554 (201), (U) 438 (171), (UP) 537 (232) (B) 483 (219), (BP) 536 (281), D 143 (181), and DP 500 (331), and differed significantly among groups (p = 0.003). Pair-wise comparison revealed lower F_max values for group D compared to all other groups (p < 0.034) except group DP.

CONCLUSIONS

Endodontically treated maxillary central incisors with cavity sizes up to bi-proximal class III may be successfully directly restored with resin composite. Post placement shows no additional effect except for decoronated endodontically treated incisors.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Endodontically treated incisors with access cavities to class III cavities can be successfully restored with resin composite. Post placement for decoronated ETT is recommended.

Adhesive Durability Inside the Root Canal Using Self-adhesive Resin Cements for Luting Fiber Posts

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of various self-adhesive resin cements on the push-out bond strengths and nanoleakage expression at the luting interfaces of fiber posts immediately and after one year of aging.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

One hundred forty-four extracted human anterior teeth were endodontically treated. After post space preparation, fiber posts were luted using five commercially available self-adhesive resin (SAR) cements and a core build-up material applied with a self-etch adhesive (BF: Bifix SE/Rebilda Post, VOCO; CSA: Clearfil SA Cement/Rely X Fiber Post, 3M ESPE; RX: RelyX Unicem 2/Rely X Fiber Post, 3M ESPE; SPC: Speed Cem/FRC Postec, Ivoclar Vivadent; SMC: Smart Cem/X Post, Dentsply; RB: Rebilda DC-Futurabond/Rebilda Post; n=22). For each group, half of the specimens were subjected to thermocycling (TC) (5°C-55°C, 10,000 cycles) and stored humid for one year at 37°C. Push-out bond strength data of six slices (thickness 1 mm) per root and nanoleakage expression of representative specimens were evaluated after 24 hours (baseline) and after TC and storage for one year (aging), respectively.

RESULTS

Bond strength differed significantly among resin cements (p<0.0005) and the location inside the root canal (p<0.0005), but not by aging (p=0.390; repeated-measures analysis of variance). SMC (14.6±5.8 MPa) and RX (14.1±6.8 MPa) revealed significantly higher bond strength compared to BF (10.6±5.4 MPa) and RB (10.0±4.6 MPa) but differed not significantly from SPC (12.8±4.8) MPa; CSA (6.1±4.6 MPa) revealed significantly lower bond strength compared to all other investigated materials (p<0.05; Tukey Honestly Significantly Different). Qualitative nanoleakage analysis revealed more silver deposits at the interface in all groups after aging. For CSA, a large amount of silver deposits inside the cement was also observed at baseline and after aging.

CONCLUSIONS

Fiber post luting using SAR cements demonstrated reliable bond strengths. Product-specific differences and initial degradation effects could be demonstrated.

Are self-adhesive resin cements suitable as core build-up materials? Analyses of maximum load capability, margin integrity, and physical properties

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to test a self-adhesive resin cement used as core build-up material in comparison to two commercially available core build-up materials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty human anterior teeth were endodontically treated and fiber post insertion (RelyX Fiber posts) and core build-ups were performed using two core build-up materials applied with an etch-and-rinse adhesive approach (Luxacore Dual-LC and Clearfil Core-CC) and an experimental self-adhesive resin cement (SAR) in two application modes (SAR Handmix and SAR Automix). Samples were subjected to thermo-mechanical loading. Margin integrity was determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and maximum load capability (Fmax) was evaluated. Physical properties of the tested materials were also examined.

RESULTS

Fmax was significantly affected by the core build-up material (p < 0.0005; one-way ANOVA). CC [481 (158) N] revealed significantly higher Fmax compared to LC [226 (80) N], SAR Hand [205 (115), and SAR Automix [197 (134) N] (p < 0.05; Tukey-B). The percentage of margin quality "continuous margin" in enamel after thermo-mechanical loading (TML) differed significantly among groups (p < 0.0005; Kruskal-Wallis); CC demonstrated a significantly higher percentage of margin quality "continuous margin" compared to the other groups. Physical properties were significantly affected by the different core materials (p < 0.0005; ANOVA); CC and LC demonstrated significantly higher flexural strength compared to both SAR groups as well as significantly higher water sorption of both SAR groups compared to CC and LC.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of the present in vitro study, we conclude that the investigated experimental self-adhesive resin cement is not suitable as a core build-up material due to the lower maximum load capability, low margin quality, and the data of the mechanical properties.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The investigated experimental self-adhesive resin cement cannot be recommended as a core build-up material.

Influence of proximal box elevation on the marginal quality and fracture behavior of root-filled molars restored with CAD/CAM ceramic or composite onlays

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the influence of proximal box elevation (PBE) with composite resin when applied to deep proximal defects in root-filled molars with mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavities, which were subsequently restored with computer-aided designed/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) ceramic or composite restorations.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Root canal treatment was performed on 48 human mandibular molars. Standardized MOD cavities were prepared with the distal box located 2 mm below the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ). The teeth were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups (n = 12). In groups G1 and G2, the distal proximal box was elevated up to the level of the CEJ with composite resin (PBE). No elevation was performed in the remaining two groups (G3, G4). CAD/CAM restorations were fabricated with feldspathic ceramic (Vita Mark II, CER) in groups G1 (PBE-CER) and G3 (CER) or with resin nano-ceramic blocks (Lava Ultimate, LAV) in groups G2 (PBE-LAV) and G4 (LAV). Replicas were taken before and after thermomechanical loading (TML; 1.2 Mio cycles; 49 N; 3,000 thermocycles between 50 °C and 5 °C). Following TML, load was applied until failure. Fracture analysis was performed under a stereomicroscope (×16). Marginal quality before and after TML (tooth restoration, composite restoration) was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (×200).

RESULTS

After TML, lower percentages of continuous margins were observed in groups G1-G3 compared with pre-TML assessments; however, the differences were not statistically significant. For group G4-LAV, the marginal quality after TML was significantly better than in any other group. The highest mean fracture value was recorded for group G4. No significant difference was found for this value between the groups with PBE compared with the groups without PBE, regardless of the material used. The specimens restored with ceramic onlays exhibited fractures that were mainly restricted to the restoration while, in teeth restored with composite onlays, the percentage of catastrophic failures (fractures beyond bone level) was increased.

CONCLUSION

PBE had no impact on either the marginal integrity or the fracture behavior of root canal-treated mandibular molars restored with feldspathic ceramic onlays. CAD/CAM-fabricated composite onlays were more favorable than ceramic onlays in terms of both marginal quality and fracture resistance, particularly in specimens without PBE.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Composite onlays with or without PBE may be a viable approach for the restoration of root-filled molars with subgingival MOD cavities.

Damage of lithium-disilicate all-ceramic restorations by an experimental self-adhesive resin cement used as core build-ups

OBJECTIVES

This in vitro study aimed to predict the potential of fracture initiation after long-term incubation (LTI) of lithium-disilicate restorations due to a hygroscopic expansion of self-adhesive resin cement (SARC) used as core build-up material.

METHODS

Human maxillary central incisors were divided into four groups (n = 10). Teeth were endodontically treated and decoronated. Specimens were restored in a one-stage post-and-core procedure using experimental dual-curing SARC. Three application protocols to build up the core were compared as follows: I, auto-polymerisation; II, dual curing including 40 s light-initiated polymerisation; and III, an open matrix technique in a dual-curing mode. In group IV, a chemical-curing composite core build-up material served as control. For all specimens, a 2-mm ferrule design was ensured. Full anatomic lithium-disilicate crowns were adhesively luted. One-year LTI in 0.5 % chloramine solution at 37 °C was performed. Restorations were examined after 3, 6, 9 and 12 month of storage. Survival rates were calculated using log-rank statistics (p = 0.05).

RESULTS

Fifty per cent of lithium-disilicate crowns of groups I and II showed visible crack propagation after 9 months of incubation, while one crown failed in group III. No failure was observed in group IV. The survival rates differed significantly (p = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

SARC used to build up the core of severely damaged endodontically treated teeth does have the potential to cause fracture of lithium-disilicate crown restorations.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Hygroscopic expansion of self-adhesive resin cements used as a core build-up material might have an adverse impact on longevity of glass-ceramic crowns.

Rigid versus flexible dentine-like endodontic posts--clinical testing of a biomechanical concept: seven-year results of a randomized controlled clinical pilot trial on endodontically treated abutment teeth with severe hard tissue loss

INTRODUCTION

This is the first clinical long-term pilot study that tested the biomimetic concept of using more flexible, dentine-like (low Young modulus) glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin posts (GFREPs) compared with rather rigid, stiff (higher Young modulus) titanium posts (TPs) in order to improve the survival rate of severely damaged endodontically treated teeth.

METHODS

Ninety-one subjects in need of postendodontic restorations in teeth with 2 or less remaining cavity walls were randomly assigned to receive either a tapered TP (n = 46) or a tapered GFREP (n = 45). The posts were adhesively luted using self-adhesive resin cement. The composite core build-ups were prepared ensuring a circumferential 2-mm ferrule. The primary endpoint was a loss of restoration for any reason. To study group differences, the log-rank test was calculated (P < .05). Hazard plots were constructed.

RESULTS

After 84 months of observation (mean = 71.2 months), 7 restorations failed (ie, 4 GFREPs and 3 TPs). The failure modes were as follows: GFREP:root fracture (n = 3), core fracture (n = 1) and TP:endodontic failure (n = 3). No statistical difference was found between the survival rates (GFREPs = 90.2%, TPs = 93.5%, P = .642). The probability of no failure was comparable for both post materials (risk ratio; 95% confidence interval, 0.965-0.851/1.095).

CONCLUSIONS

When using self-adhesive luted prefabricated posts in severely destroyed abutment teeth with 2 or less cavity walls and a 2-mm ferrule, postendodontic restorations achieved high long-term survival rates irrespective of the post material used (ie, glass fiber vs titanium).

Influence of fiber posts on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated premolars with different dental defects

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of quartz fiber post placement on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated premolars with different dental defects under dynamic loading. Fifty extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars were randomized into five groups. Each group was prepared according to numbers of residual walls ranged from 0 to 4. Then each group was divided into two subgroups with one restored with quartz fiber posts and the other without posts. In no-post groups, gutta percha point 2 mm below cemento-enamel junction was removed. Composite resin was adapted to the well and used to shape the core directly. Each tooth was restored with a complete metal crown. Dynamic loading was carried out in a masticatory simulator with a nominal load of 50 N at 2 Hz for 300 000 loading cycles. Then a quasi-statically load was applied in a universal testing machine 30° to the long axis with a crosshead speed of 1 mm⋅min⁻¹ until fracture. Data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and pairwise comparison (P<0.05). No specimens failed during dynamic loading. The fracture resistance enhanced with the increase of numbers of coronal walls and the differences were significant (P<0.05). Placement of fiber posts had a significant effect when fewer than two walls remained (P<0.05), but it had no significant influence in groups with two, three or four walls (P>0.05). Fiber post did not change failure mode, and the fracture pattern was mainly favorable. More dentin walls need to be retained in clinic. When no less than two walls remained, a fiber post is not always necessary.

Influence of masticatory fatigue on the fracture resistance of the pulpless teeth restored with quartz-fiber post-core and crown

To investigate whether masticatory fatigue affects the fracture resistance and pattern of lower premolars restored with quartz-fiber post–core and full crown, 44 single rooted lower premolars recently extracted from orthodontic patients were divided into two groups of 22 each. The crowns of all teeth were removed and endodontically treated and then restored with quartz-fiber post–core and full crown. Twenty-two teeth in one group were selected randomly and circularly loaded at 45° to the long axis of the teeth of 127.4 N at a 6 Hz frequency, and the other group was not delivered to cyclic loading and considered as control. Subsequently, all teeth in two groups were continually loaded to fail at 45° to the long axis of the teeth at a crosshead speed of 1 mm⋅min⁻¹. The mean destructive force values were (733.88±254.99) and (869.14±280.26) N for the experimental and the control group, respectively, and no statistically significant differences were found between two groups (P>0.05). Bevel fracture and horizontal fracture in the neck of root were the major fracture mode of the specimens. Under the circumstances of this study, it seems that cyclic loading does not affect the fracture strength and pattern of the quartz-fiber post–core–crown complex.