The effect of glass fiber posts and ribbons on the fracture strength of teeth with flared root canals restored using composite resin post and cores.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the fracture strength and mode of failure of structurally compromised teeth with flared root canals restored using composite resin with four different systems. METHODS: Sixty endodontically treated bovine teeth were uniformly shaped to simulate human mandibular premolars with flared root canals. The roots were divided into four groups of 15 specimens each based on the type of restoration: composite resin core only (control), glass fiber post, cylindroid glass fiber ribbons, and glass fiber post and ribbons. All specimens were loaded until fracture occurred using a universal testing machine. Average fracture loads were compared with a one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test (α=.05). The modes of failure were observed and the Fisher exact test and Bonferroni correction were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The fiber post and ribbon group (1035.70N) and the fiber ribbon group (881.77N) showed significantly higher fracture strength than the controls (567.97N) (p<.05). The fiber post and ribbon group also showed significantly higher fracture strength than the fiber post group (769.40N). Almost all specimens showed unrestorable root fractures (p<.008). The control group had a significantly higher ratio of core sectional fractures (p<.017). CONCLUSIONS: Cylindroid glass fiber ribbons significantly increased the fracture strength of the composite resin post and cores in the case of the dentin within the thin root canal wall. Based on the results, this study recommends the combined use of glass fiber post and ribbons.

Biomechanical behavior of adhesive cement layer and periodontal tissues on the restored teeth with zirconia RBFDPs using three-kinds of framework design: 3D FEA study.

PURPOSE: To investigate stress and strain concentrations on resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBFDPs) frameworks of different design using finite element analysis. METHODS: A human dry skull was scanned and models were produced using three-dimensional printer. After abutment preparation, three frameworks, including a three-unit RBFDP, and two-unit cantilevered RBFDPs using #21 and #23 for the abutment tooth, were fabricated. Scanned data were subtracted to define boundary of each structure. Occlusal force (200N) was loaded at 45° to long axis of the pontic. The distributions of shear stress and principal strain in the RBFDP models were measured to evaluate the risk for framework-debonding from the abutment teeth and the impact on periodontal tissue. RESULTS: The percentage voxels with shear stress >11MPa in adhesive cement layer of three-unit RBFDP using #21 and #23 were 4.16% and 2.25%, respectively; in two-unit cantilevered RBFDPs, it was 19.25% using #21, and 23.4% using #23. The maximum principal strain on periodontal ligaments in two-unit cantilevered RBFDPs using #21 was the largest, and smallest in the three-unit RBFDP. The maximum principal strain in framework was largest in the two-unit cantilevered RBFDP using #23, and smallest in the three-unit RBFDP. CONCLUSIONS: The risk for framework-debonding in three-unit RBFDPs was substantially lower than that in two-unit RBFDPs. In difficult cases with indication for three-unit RBFDPs, two-unit cantilever design using the canine would be more advantageous for preservation of periodontal tissue, while for risk of framework-debonding, the design using the central incisor would be more advantageous.

The effects of post and core material combination on the surface strain of the 4-unit zirconia fixed partial denture margins.

The suitability of various post and core materials for the 4-unit zirconia fixed partial denture abutment teeth was investigated to lower stress concentration. Artificial mandibular teeth (44 and 47) were used as the abutment teeth. There were two types of posts and cores: resin composite with glass fiber posts (RC), and cast platinum gold alloy (MC). Two experimental groups were analyzed. For Group RM, the premolars were restored with RC and the molars were restored with MC. For Group MR, the premolars were restored with MC and the molars were restored with RC. Static loading was applied to the occlusal surfaces, and the surface strain of the frameworks and roots was measured with a strain gauge. Group RM had a greater number of statistical differences between premolars and molars compared to Group MR. This result suggests that the Group MR post and core material combination reduces stress concentration.

Influence of water immersion on the mechanical properties of fiber posts.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of water immersion on the mechanical properties of three kinds of glass fiber posts and the fracture resistance of structures using resin composites with glass fiber posts. METHODS: Each post was divided into three groups; a control group and two water immersion groups (30 and 90 days). Flexural strength was determined by three-point bending test. Each structure was divided into two groups; a control group and a water immersion group for 30 days. The fracture strength of structures was determined by a static loading test. RESULTS: In the flexural strength, two kinds of post in water immersion groups showed lower values than control groups. In the fracture strength, two kinds of structures in water immersion group showed lower values than control groups. CONCLUSION: The prefabricated glass fiber posts and structures using resin composites with glass fiber posts were affected by water immersion.

Influence of post and core materials on distortion around 4-unit zirconia bridge margins.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface strain of zirconia fixed partial denture frameworks and their abutment roots when restored with two types of post and core materials. Artificial mandibular first premolars and second molars were used as the abutment teeth. Posts and cores were of two types: resin composite with glass fiber posts (RC) and cast platinum gold alloy (MC). The cores and 4-unit zirconia frameworks were bonded to the specimens. Static loading was applied to the occlusal surfaces, and the surface strain of the frameworks and roots (distal premolar and mesial molar) was measured by strain gauge method. Premolar root showed a significantly higher magnitude of principal strain than molar root. RC showed a significantly higher magnitude of principal strain than MC. The results suggest that MC restrain the surface strain compared to RC when the missing teeth are replaced by a 4-unit zirconia framework.