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Effect of the ferrule on fracture resistance of teeth restored with prefabricted posts and composite cores
Abstract
Aim: This study investigated the effect of different ferrule designs on the fracture resistance of teeth incorporating prefabricated posts and composite cores. It also assessed the necessity of a post in the restoration of endodontically treated teeth.
Methodology: Sixty-two extracted maxillary incisors (centrals and laterals) and canines were randomly assigned into three groups and restored. Two groups had a prefabricated post and composite core with varying ferrule designs. A third group had a core with composite packed into the root canal but no post. An Instron universal testing machine was used to apply compressive loads until failure occurred.
Results: There was no significant difference amongst the three groups as regards fracture resistance. The two groups with prefabricated posts and composite core required a mean force of 931N, std ±283 and 931N, Std ±242 to fracture. The third with no post group required a mean force of 1036N, std ±269 to fracture.
Conclusion: In the restoration of an anterior endodontically treated tooth with a prefabricated post and composite core and where there is at least 2 mm or more of remaining coronal dentine, a ferrule may not be necessary.
Key Words: endodontically treated teeth, fracture resistance, preformed post, composite core, ferrule design, ferrule effect, ferrule length, shoulder, bevel, contra-bevel
African Health Sciences Vol.4(2) 2004: 131-135