A comparative in vitro study of different techniques for removal of fibre posts from root canals

This study evaluates the effectiveness of different techniques to remove fibre posts from root filled teeth in vitro. One hundred and fifty-three extracted single-rooted teeth were decoronated, root-canal treated and divided into three groups (n = 51). Post spaces were prepared for different types of fibre posts: glass fibre, quartz fibre, carbon fibre. Each group was divided into three subgroups with regard to the post removal technique (n = 17): SonicFlex Endo, long-shaft round bur, DT-Post removal kit. Residual material, loss of dentine, working time and procedural errors were assessed using computed tomography. Statistical analysis was performed with a one-way anova (α = 0.05). The highest effectiveness was achieved with the sonic tip and the round bur. A high prevalence of perforations or severe deviations from the root axis was observed for all groups. No technique presented favourable results in all assessed parameters. There is a high risk of perforations.