A comparison of strains generated during placement of five endodontic posts

Twenty-five extracted human maxillary central incisors were randomly divided into five equal groups. Crowns were removed 1 mm incisal to the cementoenamel junction. Endodontic treatment was carried out and each tooth was affixed with two strain gauges. The strain gauge wires were connected to a Wheatstone Bridge circuit. Each group of five teeth was restored with either a Para-Post Plus (the control post), Flexi-Post, Vlock post, Kurer Fin Lock Anchor, or a Radix Anchor. Strains generated during post placement were recorded and compared for the five groups using a one-way analysis of variance. The maximum strains accompanying placement of the Kurer Fin Lock Anchor and the Radix Anchor were significantly higher than those induced by placement of the other posts. Also, when the threaded posts were allowed to contact the bottom of the prepared channel, high strains resulted.