An in vitro comparison of two dowel and core techniques for endodontically treated molars

A laboratory study was designed to compare the shear-compressive strength of two post and core systems in mandibular molars. A buildup with cemented posts and an amalgam core proved to have greater strength than a system in which only amalgam was used to create a dowel and core. The addition of crowns to the buildups did not produce a significant increase in the shear strength of the specimens. Most specimens prepared by a specific restorative technique fractured in a consistent predictable pattern. The dentist should be aware of the incidence of lingual wall fractures in planning the restorations for endodontically treated molars. Careful evaluation of the remaining amount of tooth structure should influence the selection of the dowel and core technique.