Comparative evaluation of fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with glass fiber post and a novel prefabricated edelweiss post & core system –an in vitro study

Original Research

Abstract

Background: The endodontically treated teeth with compromised crown structure for its restoration necessitates the construction of a post and core to deliver necessary support and retention for the final crown.

Aim: To assess and compare the fracture resistance and failure form of glass fiber post with composite core build-up and prefabricated single unit resin composite post &core.

Methodology: 40 human extracted mandibular premolars were split into two groups at random, administered root canal therapy, and then obturated with gutta-percha. Glass fibre post (TENAX®FiberTrans Coltene/Whaledent, USA) was cemented after the post space preparation in teeth under Group 1(n=20), and a separate composite core build-up was completed. In Group 2 (n=20) resin composite post and core single unit (Edelweiss post and core, Edelweiss dentistry products GmbH, Austria) were placed. Thermocycling (between 5 and 55°C, 30-second dwell period) was performed on all samples. The fracture resistance was tested in a Universal testing machine using a compressive load. The fracture force was measured in Newtons and a stereomicroscope was used to investigate failure patterns.

Statistical analysis: Independent T-Test

Results: A statistically significant difference amongst the two groups (p<0.05) was noted.

Conclusion: The prefabricated Edelweiss resin composite post and core single unit has greater fracture resistance than the post made of glass-reinforced fibre. The failure pattern observed in the Glass fiber post was a non-catastrophic core fracture, post debonding, post-fracture, and tooth fracture while in Edelweiss post and core single unit showed non-catastrophic core and tooth fractures. There was no post debonding or post-fracture in Edelweiss post and core single unit.