Randomized controlled trial comparing glass-fiber versus metal posts in single-crowned teeth: 15 Year follow-up

Area of Science:

• Dental materials science
• Restorative dentistry
• Endodontics

Background:

• Restoring endodontically treated teeth with posts is crucial for function.
• Comparing the long-term efficacy of different post materials is essential for clinical decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the 15-year clinical success and survival rates of endodontically treated teeth restored with glass-fiber posts versus metal posts.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial included 131 patients with 182 post and single-crown restorations.
• Teeth were randomized to receive either metal posts or glass-fiber posts (prefabricated or custom-made).
• Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to evaluate outcomes over 15 years.

Main Results:

• Success rates were 48.0% (metal), 59.2% (prefabricated glass-fiber), and 49.5% (custom glass-fiber).
• Survival rates were 53.6% (metal), 68.5% (prefabricated glass-fiber), and 55.3% (custom glass-fiber).
• No statistically significant difference in outcomes based on post material was found, though prefabricated glass-fiber posts showed a trend towards better results.

Conclusions:

• Glass-fiber posts demonstrated a trend towards improved clinical success and survival over 15 years compared to metal posts.
• Metal posts had a higher failure rate due to root fracture.
• The study suggests a potential benefit of glass-fiber posts, despite non-significant statistical findings.