Reinforcing an immature tooth model using three different restorative materials

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Restorative Dentistry
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Immature teeth present unique restorative challenges due to their thin, incompletely formed roots.
• Evaluating the mechanical properties of restorative materials is crucial for predicting clinical success in endodontically treated immature teeth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare and evaluate the fracture resistance of three restorative materials used in simulated immature teeth.
• To determine the reinforcing capacity of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC), Biodentine, and glass ionomer cement in immature tooth models.

Main Methods:

• 80 human maxillary central incisors were prepared to simulate immature teeth.
• Teeth were restored with fiber-reinforced composite (FRC), Biodentine, or glass ionomer cement.
• Fracture resistance was assessed using a universal testing machine.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant difference (P ≤ 0.001) in fracture load was observed among the groups.
• FRC exhibited the highest fracture resistance (mean: 1199.7 N), followed by Biodentine.
• The control group showed the lowest fracture resistance (mean: 236.7 N).

Conclusions:

• Fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) significantly enhances the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth.
• FRC demonstrates superior reinforcing capacity compared to Biodentine and glass ionomer cement in this model.
• These findings suggest FRC is a promising material for reinforcing thin-walled immature roots.