Evaluation of compressive load required to fracture premolar restored with different restorative materials-an in vitro.

ABSTRACT

Background: Restored teeth are generally weaker than sound teeth due to loss of tooth structure caused by caries and restorative procedures. The loss of both tooth structures as a result treatment will increase the likelihood of fractures during functional loading. Objective: To evaluate the fracture resistance of premolars with class II disto occlusal preparations restored with light cured composite with light cured composites layered incrementally and silver amalgam in comparison with intact and unrestored teeth. Material and methods: 50 freshly extracted premolars were randomly divided into 5 groups of 10 teeth each. All the 50 specimens were then subjected to a compressive load in a Universal Testing Machine (Hounsfield). The loads required to fracture the teeth were recorded and the data, obtained were subjected to statistical analysis and the following results were arrived. Result: Teeth restored with light cured composite incrementally placed in oblique layers produced a higher fracture resistance than any other group and showed the closest value to the intact teeth. This was followed in descending order by light, cured composite placed in horizontal increments and silver amalgam. Conclusion: Result concluded that teeth restored with light cured composite incrementally placed in oblique layers produced a higher fracture resistance than any other group and showed the closest value to the intact teeth.