Advances in restorative core materials

The use of core build-up materials is likely to increase in coming years. The ease of use of direct materials, such as amalgam and composite-based core materials, will most certainly dominate product selection. The historic standard of the custom cast post-and-core technique is decreasing in the private practice of dentistry. Providing the foundation for a restoration that will endure the masticatory stresses that occur in the oral cavity for prolonged periods is a goal all conscientious dentists are pursuing. Only with a thorough understanding of the individual patient's oral conditions can an accurate assessment be made regarding material selection. Minimizing the risks associated with failure should include a knowledge of the material's properties, the forces that the core build-up must withstand, the occlusal scheme of the patient, and the final type of restoration or prosthesis to be fabricated. An extreme amount of professional judgement and past experience must be used in the absence of sound scientific validation. Unfortunately, little sound research, especially clinical research, exists to assist dentists in this area. New clinical studies in this area would be of tremendous benefit to the practicing dentists and would benefit the general public greatly.