Effect of post type on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated premolars

Endodontically treated teeth (ETT) are more susceptible to fracture during mastication. The aim of our study was to investigate the fracture resistance of premolars, restored with different techniques. Eighteen human premolars, extracted for orthodontic or periodontal reasons, were used. Mesio-occlusal cavities were prepared on all of them. They were divided into 3 groups according to the restoration method: with a cemented fiber post (FP), with a cemented metal post (MP) and without a post, but restored with a fiber reinforced composite core (FRC). After thermocycling, their fracture resistance was evaluated in a standard testing machine. The results were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) tests (p<0.05). The fracture modes were also determined. The MP group showed the lowest fracture resistance rates and the highest number of unrestorable root fractures. In conclusion, teeth restored with FRC cores or FP show better survival rates than those restored with metal posts.