Different Post Placement Strategies for the Restoration of Endodontically Treated Maxillary Premolars with Two Roots:...

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Restorative Dentistry
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Endodontically treated teeth often require post and core restorations to regain strength.
• Bi-rooted maxillary premolars present unique challenges due to their anatomy.
• The number of residual coronal walls and post placement significantly influence fracture resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the fracture strength and failure patterns of endodontically treated, bi-rooted maxillary premolars.
• To evaluate the effect of different numbers of coronal walls and postendodontic restorations (single vs. double post) on fracture resistance.

Main Methods:

• 105 bi-rooted maxillary premolars were divided into groups based on residual wall count (3 or 2 walls).
• Teeth were further categorized by postendodontic restoration: no post, single post, or double post.
• Fracture strength was assessed using a load applied parallel to the longitudinal axis; fracture patterns were analyzed.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in fracture strength was found between intact teeth and those with 3 residual walls (with or without posts).
• Teeth with 2 residual walls showed significantly lower fracture strength compared to intact teeth, regardless of post placement.
• The double-post technique did not improve fracture resistance compared to the single-post technique in compromised teeth.

Conclusions:

• The double-post technique offers no additional fracture resistance benefit for severely compromised endodontically treated maxillary premolars compared to a single-post technique.
• Placing a single post in the palatal canal is recommended as a safer and more conservative treatment option.