Effect of Glass Fiber Post Diameter on Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Teeth

Abstract Objective: To determine the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with three different diameters of glass fiber posts and metal-ceramic crowns. Material and Methods: Thirty human maxillary canines were selected and subjected to root canal therapy. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups of glass fiber posts with 1.4 mm diameter (Group I), 1.6 mm diameter (Group II), and 2.0 mm diameter (Group III). The teeth were restored with metal-ceramic crowns and subjected to the compressive load applied at 45º angle to the longitudinal axis until fracture. The mode of failure was determined. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post hoc multiple comparisons test (p<0.05). Results: The mean fracture resistance of groups I, II and III was 574 ± 91.2 N, 617 ± 85.21 N and 467 ± 99.43 N, respectively. No significant difference was noted between groups I and II, while the fracture resistance was significantly different between groups I and III (p<0.05) and groups II and III (p<0.05). No case of post fracture alone occurred in any group. Conclusion: The diameter of glass fiber posts can affect the fracture resistance of teeth. Based on the results, increasing the diameter of the post up to 1.6 mm may increase the fracture resistance of root, although excessive diameters are not recommended.

The effect of Carvacrol on Enterococcus faecalis as a final irrigant.

INTRODUCTION: Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is an effective antimicrobial irrigant, however its toxic effects and deterrent odor are not ideal. Carvacrol is an edible plant extract with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that is effective against Enterococcus (E) faecalis. The aim of this study was to evaluate Carvacrol's antibacterial efficacy against E. faecalis bacteria as a final irrigant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty extracted single-rooted human teeth were utilized. After mechanical preparations, samples were randomly divided into three experimental (A, B and C) and two control groups. E. faecalis was cultured in both experimental and positive control groups. After bacterial counting in all canals, 5.25% NaOCl, 0.6% Carvacrol emulsion and MTAD were used as final irrigants in groups A, B and C respectively. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: There was no meaningful difference in bacterial reduction between groups A and B; however, group C showed significantly lower efficacy compared to other groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The 0.6% Carvacrol disinfects root canals effectively. It also has anti-inflammatory qualities and therefore may be an acceptable alternative for NaOCl.