Clinical evaluation of the fiber post and direct composite resin restoration for fixed single crowns on...

The restoration of an endodontically treated fractured tooth has been a challenge for restorative dentists for decades. The performance of fiber posts when used in conjunction with direct composite resin restorations have been largely unreported. This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the survival rate of endodontically treated teeth restored with adhesive bonded fiber reinforced resin posts and direct composite core with additional crown coverage.

Sixty patients who required endodontic treatment with post core crown were selected from outpatient department of Air Force Institute of Dental Sciences, Bangalore. Sixty-four teeth were endodontically treated and restored with fiber post and direct resin composite core restoration. Patients were evaluated immediately after restoration and reevaluated at the end of first, second and third months. After 3 months of clinical evaluation, if teeth were asymptomatic they were restored with complete coverage porcelain fused to metal restorations and evaluated immediately, and again reevaluated at the end of first, third, and sixth months.

After 3 months of clinical evaluation, only two teeth exhibited periapical lesion with clinical symptoms and three teeth without any clinical symptoms. Five teeth exhibited slight marginal staining, three teeth showed partial loss of restoration, and two teeth exhibited complete loss of restoration with the fracture of the post. At the end of sixth month after restoration with full coverage crown, two teeth had dislodged restoration due to fracture of post and two teeth exhibited displacement of the post.

Fiber posts are the best alternative for restoration of fractured endodontically treated teeth. Fiber posts and direct composite resin core materials are strongly recommended for restoration of endodontically treated mutilated teeth among the dental establishments of Armed Forces.