Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Teeth Restored with Different Types of Intracanal Posts

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with different types of intracanal posts. Material and Methods: Sixty human upper central incisors (n = 60) were divided according to the performance of different protocols for restoration with intracanal posts. Groups without endodontic treatment (NT) and with endodontic treatment (TR) without placement of intracanal posts, served as controls. The experimental groups received endodontic treatment and were restored with: fiberglass post with composite resin filling core (PFV-NP); carbon fiber post with composite resin filling core (PFC-NP); nickel-chromium metal cast and core posts (NiCr); or copper-aluminum metal cast and core posts (CuAl). The specimens were then tested to determine the maximum fracture resistance and the failure types of fracture (infra-crestal and supra-crestal). Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey test (α<0.05). Results: Increased fracture resistance was observed for NT group (p<0.05). Within endodontically treated teeth groups, NiCr showed higher resistance to fracture, differing statistically from groups FV+NP and FC+NP (p<0.05). Higher frequency of infra-crestal fractures was observed in NT and TR groups. Conclusion: The installation of nickel-chromium intracanal cast and core posts contributed to higher fracture resistance and lower risk of fractures difficult to repair.