Fiberglass posts reduced fractures in endodontically treated teeth restored with veneers: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Restorative Dentistry
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Endodontically treated teeth (ETT) often require restoration with posts and veneers.
• Fracture is a common complication in ETT, impacting long-term prognosis.
• The role of fiberglass posts in preventing fractures in composite-veneered ETT needs further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of fiberglass posts on the fracture behavior of endodontically treated anterior teeth restored with composite veneers.
• To compare fracture patterns and risk between ETT with and without fiberglass posts.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study design involving adult patients with ETT restored with composite veneers.
• Patients were categorized into case (fractured teeth) and control (non-fractured teeth) groups.
• Fracture patterns were classified using a 6-point scoring system, and statistical analyses (odds ratio, Mann-Whitney, Fisher exact tests) were performed.

Main Results:

• Out of 89 ETT (31 with posts, 58 without), 30 fractured.
• Fiberglass posts were associated with a 34% reduction in fracture risk compared to ETT without posts.
• Teeth without posts exhibited higher fracture incidence and more severe fracture patterns.

Conclusions:

• Fiberglass posts demonstrably decrease the risk of fractures in endodontically treated teeth restored with composite veneers.
• The use of fiberglass posts contributes to improved structural integrity and reduced mechanical failure in these restorations.
• This finding supports the clinical recommendation of utilizing fiberglass posts for enhanced fracture resistance in ETT restorations.