ABSTRACT
Objective: To compare the effect of three different fiber reinforcement strategies on the fracture strength of composite resin restored endodontically treated premolars. Material and Methods: Seventy-two sound human premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons were divided into 6 groups (n=12) after endodontic treatment. Group 1: intact teeth (positive control); Group 2: endodontically treated teeth without restoration (negative control); Group 3: composite resin restoration; Group 4: placement of fibers at occlusal position; Group 5: splinting the buccal and palatal walls with horizontal fiber posts; Group 6: placement of fibers at the occlusal position after splinting the buccal and palatal walls with horizontal fiber posts. Then fracture strength was measured at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min in a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests at α=0.05. Results: There were significant differences between the negative and positive control groups (p<0.001) and between the negative control group and all the other study groups (p<0.001). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the positive control group and all the experimental groups and between the experimental groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Fiber insertion had no additional reinforcing effect on the fracture strength following composite resin restoration.