Reconstruction of devital teeth using direct fiber-reinforced composite resins: a case report

Nonrestored devitalized teeth are structurally compromised and represent one of the greatest challenges for the clinician. Restoration of endodontically treated teeth has been associated with the use of posts. Various post materials and designs have been introduced over the years; however, motivated by the desire to conserve the remaining sound tooth structure and thanks to properties of modern adhesive systems, clinicians have re-evaluated the dogma of traditional restorative dentistry and seek alternative methods to build up devitalized teeth. The use of direct Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber-reinforced post systems is becoming popular among clinicians because enlargement of the root canal space is not required and the risk of root perforation eliminated. This article presents an experimental clinical technique to reconstruct severely damaged endodontically treated posterior teeth using direct fiber reinforced post systems. Particular attention is paid to the incremental and curing techniques adopted to build up the restoration. The problems that clinicians can encounter in bonding to teeth that have undergone endodontic treatment are also analyzed. Questions that have yet to be answered by scientific research are presented.