Marginal and internal fit of CAD/CAM fiber post and cores

To evaluate the marginal adaptation and internal fit of milled fiber post and cores using different scanning methods.

Thirty typodont tooth models (Nissin) with pulp cavity were endodontically treated and prepared to receive 30 fabricated fiber post and cores. Three different methods of scanning were used (n = 10): an intraoral scanner (IOS) (Trios 3; 3Shape) to directly digitalize the post space (Group T) and a laboratory scanner to indirectly digitalize the resin pattern (Group RP) and the silicone impression (Group S) of the post space. All the specimens were examined using an optical microscope for the measurement of the vertical marginal discrepancy (VMD), and five in each group were scanned using microcomputed tomography (µCT) for the assessment of the VMD, the internal fit at the corner (IFC), post apex (PA), and at four horizontal cross-sections (CS1-4) inside the canal. All data were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA, followed by pairwise testing to identify the differences (α = 0.05).

Statistical analysis revealed that Group T was associated with the smallest cement space compared with Group RP (P = 0.001) and Group S (P < 0.001) for VMD using µCT or direct microscopy (OM) (P < 0.001). Similarly, the cement space for Group T was smaller than that of Group S (P = 0.039) when measured at the IFC (µCT), and smaller than Group RP (P = 0.025) when measured at CS1-4 (µCT), with CS1 larger than CS3 (P = 0.015). There was no significant difference at PA (P = 0.271).

Better adaptation was achieved with a complete digital workflow. Scanning the resin pattern or the silicone impression introduced more variables in the digital process or milling of a one-piece fiber post and core.