Optimal post height and diameter in preformed zirconia crown restoration on 3D-printed primary incisors

In this in vitro study, fracture resistance was evaluated according to the post-diameter and -length in zirconia crown restorations on three-dimensional printed primary incisors undergone pulpectomy. One hundred-and-sixty primary incisor abutments were used which were artificially fabricated through 3D-printing. Each group was divided into two subgroups based on the zirconia post-diameter (1.5 mm and 2.0 mm) employed for post setting after pulpectomy. Furthermore, each group was divided into four subgroups based on the zirconia post-height (3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0 mm). Zirconia post setting was made by applying flowable resin after filling the pulp cavity with calcium hydroxide up to 3.0 mm below cemento-enamel junction (CEJ). Finally, a preformed zirconia crown of size #1 was cemented to the abutment through resin cement. A compressive load was applied to the middle palatal surface of incisors restored with zirconia crowns by using a universal testing machine at 145° angle which is the normal interincisal angle of children. The root fracture specimens were excluded and the samples fractured within crown and core parts were included in the final fracture resistance analysis. The group with 1.5-mm post-diameter and 5.0-mm post-height had the highest fracture resistance strength (130.63 ± 55.75 N) under masticatory pressure condition. Fracture resistance was statistically greater in 5.0-mm than in 4.0-mm and 3.0-mm post-height groups for 1.5-mm post-diameter subgroup. Moreover, 5.0-mm post-height subgroup had a statistically greater fracture resistance than that of 3.0-mm post-height subgroup for 2.0-mm post-diameter group. The 2.0-mm post-diameter subgroup had a statistically greater fracture resistance than that of 1.5-mm post-diameter subgroup for 3.0-mm and 4.0-mm post-heights. If zirconia post incorporation is required for deciduous incisor restoration, a post-length equal to facial CEJ level is recommended for gaining additional retention against masticatory pressure.