Clinical evaluation of root filled teeth restored with or without post-and-core systems in a specialist practice setting. Composite resin core-crown reconstructions: an up to 17-year follow-up of a controlled clinical trial. Fracture resistance of compromised endodontically treated teeth restored with bonded post and cores: An in vitro study. Survival rate and fracture strength of endodontically treated maxillary incisors with moderate defects restored with different post-and-core systems: an in vitro study. An up to 3-Year Controlled Clinical Trial Comparing the Outcome of Glass Fiber Posts and Composite Cores with Gold Alloy-Based Posts and Cores for the Restoration of Endodontically Treated Teeth. Controlled Clinical Trial on the Outcome of Glass Fiber Composite Cores Versus Wrought Posts and Cast Cores for the Restoration of Endodontically Treated Teeth: A 5-Year Follow-up Study. Four post-and-core combinations as abutments for fixed single crowns: a prospective up to 10-year study. Clinical evaluation of a carbon fibre reinforced carbon endodontic post. An in vitro evaluation of a carbon fiber-based post and core system. Comparison of two luting agents used for the retention of cast dowel and cores. Rigid versus flexible dentine-like endodontic posts--clinical testing of a biomechanical concept: seven-year results of a randomized controlled clinical pilot trial on endodontically treated abutment teeth with severe hard tissue loss. Long-term survival of endodontically treated, maxillary anterior teeth restored with either tapered or parallel-sided glass-fiber posts and full-ceramic crown coverage. Clinical evaluation of teeth restored with quartz fiber-reinforced epoxy resin posts. Effect of no ferrule on failure of teeth restored with bonded posts and cores. In vitro fracture resistance of endodontically treated central incisors with varying ferrule heights and configurations. Placement of fiber prefabricated or custom made posts affects the 3-year survival of endodontically treated premolars. Clinical performance and marginal adaptation of class II direct and semidirect composite restorations over 3.5 years in vivo. Influence of periodontal ligament simulation on bond strength and fracture resistance of roots restored with fiber posts Comparison of Resilon and Gutta-Percha Filling Materials on Root Canal Fracture Resistance Following Restoring with Quartz Fiber Posts Restoration of endodontically treated teeth with carbon fibre posts--a prospective study. Fracture resistance of roots prosthetically restored with intra-radicular posts of different lengths. The effectiveness of compomer as a root-end filling: a clinical investigation. Survival of glass fibre reinforced composite post restorations after 2 years-an observational clinical study.
AIM To assess survival rates and complications of  root-filled teeth restored with or without post- and -core systems  over a mean observation period of > or=4 years . METHODOLOGY A total of 325 single- and multirooted teeth in 183 subjects treated in a private practice were root filled and restored with either a cast post- and -core or with a prefabricated titanium post and composite core . Root-filled teeth without post-retained restorations served as controls . The restored teeth served as abutments for single unit metal-ceramic or composite crowns or fixed bridges . Teeth supporting cantilever bridges , overdentures or telescopic crowns were excluded . RESULTS Seventeen teeth in 17 subjects were lost to follow-up ( 17/325 : 5.2 % ) . The mean observation period was 5.2 + /- 1.8 ( SD ) years for restorations with titanium posts , 6.2 + /- 2.0 ( SD ) years for cast post- and -cores and 4.4 + /- 1.7 ( SD ) years for teeth without posts . Overall , 54 % of build-ups included the incorporation of a titanium post and 26.5 % the cementation of a cast post- and -core . The remaining 19.5 % of the teeth were restored without intraradicular retention . The adjusted 5-year tooth survival rate amounted to 92.5 % for teeth restored with titanium posts , to 97.1 % for teeth restored with cast post- and -cores and to 94.3 % for teeth without post restorations , respectively . The most frequent complications included root fracture ( 6.2 % ) , recurrent caries ( 1.9 % ) , post-treatment periradicular disease ( 1.6 % ) and loss of retention ( 1.3 % ) . CONCLUSION Provided that high- quality root canal treatment and restorative protocol s are implemented , high survival and low complication rates of single- and multirooted root-filled teeth used as abutments for fixed restorations can be expected after a mean observation period of > or=4 years PURPOSE The aim of this long-term follow-up study was to collect up to 17 years of survival data of endodontically treated single teeth with or without a prefabricated metal post .  MATERIAL S AND METHODS Single teeth were provided with direct composite resin core-crown reconstructions with or without posts by 15 operators . Restorations consisted of either a prefabricated metal post and a composite core-crown reconstruction or a post-free direct composite reconstruction . Allocation of either restoration was performed by balanced drawing . These restorations were not covered by an artificial crown . The study sample consisted of 87 patients who received 98 core-crown reconstructions .  The performance of the restorations was evaluated based on data collected from the files of the clinicians currently monitoring the oral health of the patients . The survival probability was analyzed at different levels : on the restoration level and on the level of the tooth carrying the restoration . Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare survival probabilities . RESULTS Post placement showed no influence on the survival probability at either level ( P > .05 ) . The estimated overall survival rate at 17 years was 53 % + /- 14 % at the restoration level and 79 % + /- 11 % at the tooth level . CONCLUSION The results of this long-term follow-up study showed no difference in survival probabilities between different direct composite resin core-crown reconstructions of endodontically treated single teeth ( with or without a post ) STATEMENT OF PROBLEM It is unclear which post and core system performs best when bonded to severely compromised endodontically treated teeth . PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the fracture resistance and mode of failure of severely compromised teeth restored with 3 different adhesively bonded post and core systems . MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty extracted endodontically treated maxillary anterior teeth were r and omly divided into 3 groups , CPC , gold cast post and core ; TPC , titanium prefabricated post/composite resin core ; and FPC , quartz fiber reinforced post/composite resin core . All posts were adhesively cemented . All cores resembled a central incisor preparation with no remaining tooth structure above the finish line . Cast gold crowns were fabricated and cemented adhesively . The specimens were aged with thermocycling and cyclic loading . Two specimens per group were r and omly selected for micro-computed tomographic imaging before and after aging . Failure was induced with a universal testing machine . The mode of failure was characterized by the interface separation . Data were analyzed with 1-way ANOVA ( α=.05 ) followed by post hoc tests ( Bonferroni ) . RESULTS A statistically significant difference was found among the 3 groups ( P=.002  ) . CPC was significantly different than TPC ( P=.008 ) or FPC ( P=.003 ) . The primary mode of failure  for CPC and TPC  was root fracture , and for FPC post debonding . CONCLUSIONS Severely compromised endodontically treated teeth restored with bonded gold cast post and cores showed significantly higher fracture resistance PURPOSE This study compares the survival rate and fracture strength of endodontically treated maxillary incisors with moderate coronal defects restored with different post- and -core systems after exposure to an artificial mouth . MATERIAL S AND METHODS Sixty-four caries-free human maxillary central incisors were selected for st and ardized size and quality , endodontically treated , and decoronated 2 mm coronal to the cementoenamel junction . Group 1 was restored with titanium posts and composite cores , group 2 received zirconia posts and a composite core , and in group 3 zirconia posts with a heat-pressed ceramic core were used . Teeth restored with cast posts and cores served as controls . All teeth were prepared and restored with complete cast crowns . All sample s were exposed to 1.2 million cycles in a computer-controlled chewing simulator with simultaneous thermocycling . In addition , the sample s were loaded until fracture in a static testing device . RESULTS The survival rates of the different groups were : 94 % for titanium/composite , 63 % for zirconia/composite , 100 % for the all-ceramic post and core , and 94 % for the cast post and core . The following mean fracture strengths were obtained : titanium/composite = 425 + /- 155 N , zirconia/composite = 202 + /- 212 N , zirconia/ceramic = 378 + /- 64 N , cast post and core = 426 + /- 178 N. The lower fracture load in the group with zirconia posts and composite cores was statistically significant . The use of zirconia posts result ed in fewer oblique root fractures . CONCLUSION Prefabricated titanium posts with composite cores , zirconia posts with heat-pressed ceramic cores , and cast posts and cores yield comparable survival rates and fracture strengths for the restoration of crowned maxillary incisors with moderate coronal defects .  Survival rates and fracture strengths for zirconia posts with composite cores are significantly lower , so this combination can not be recommended for clinical use PURPOSE This controlled clinical trial aim ed to compare the 3-year outcomes of glass fiber posts and composite cores with gold alloy-based posts and cores for the restoration of endodontically treated teeth . MATERIAL S AND METHODS One hundred forty-four patients in need of 205 restorations on endodontically treated teeth were selected and followed for 7 to 37 months ( mean : 21 ± 9 months ) . The teeth were primarily stratified based on the remaining tissue available to restore the tooth core with or without a post . Then , r and omization allocated the teeth to either test group 1 ( prefabricated glass fiber posts ) , test group 2 ( custom-made glass fiber posts ) , or test group 3 ( composite cores without posts ) . The control group consisted of gold alloy-based posts and cores . All posts/cores were covered with all-ceramic single crowns .  Failures were either absolute , such as root fractures or irreparable fractures of the post/core , or relative , such as loss of post retention or reparable fractures of the core . Success and survival probability lifetime curves , corrected for clustering , were drawn for the entire data set . RESULTS The recall rate at 3 years was 97.1 % . Absolute failures consisted of two root fractures and one endodontic failure , while relative failures included three instances of retention loss of the post/core and one post fracture . Because of the low number of events , no statistical tests were performed . The success and survival probabilities over all groups together at 3 years amounted to 91.7 % and 97.2 % , respectively . CONCLUSIONS After being followed for up to 3 years , both cast gold and composite post and core systems performed well clinical ly . Longer follow-up times are needed to detect possible significant differences . Int J Prosthodont 2011;24:363 - 372 PURPOSE The aim of this study was to compare the 5-year outcomes of glass fiber composite with cast posts and cores for the restoration of endodontically treated teeth . MATERIAL S AND METHODS A total of 143 patients in need of 203 full ceramic restorations on endodontically treated teeth were included . After primary stratification based on the need for post or no post , teeth were r and omly allotted to test group 1 ( prefabricated glass fiber posts ) , 2 ( custom-made glass fiber posts ) , or 3 ( composite cores without posts ) . The control group was treated with gold alloy-based wrought posts and cast cores .  Success ( original present ) and survival ( present after intervention ) probability lifetime curves , corrected for clustering , were drawn over the entire data set . RESULTS The mean follow-up time was 5.8 years ( range : 0.5 to 7.2 years ) . At 5 years , the success and survival probabilities were 85.2 % and 91.5 % , respectively . Lifetime curves did not show any significant differences between the test and control groups for success ( P = .85 ) or survival ( P = .57 ) . Moreover , no significant differences for success or survival could be found among the four groups ( the three test groups and the control group ) . CONCLUSION After 5 years of follow-up , cast gold and composite post- and -core systems on teeth with ceramic full restorations provided with a ferrule performed equally well PURPOSE In the present prospect i ve study , four different post- and -core systems were evaluated over a period of up to 10 years . MATERIAL S AND METHODS Fifty endodontically treated teeth in 31 patients were r and omized to one of four groups for post- and -core placement : Group 1 received conventional tapered cast posts and cores ( n = 14 ) ; group 2 received ParaPost system prefabricated gold posts with cast cores ( n = 13 ) ; group 3 received ParaPost system cast posts and cores ( n = 13 ) ; and group 4 received Radix-Anchor posts ( n = 10 ) . Clinical and radiologic evaluations were made . RESULTS One post and core in group 2 was functioning well 58 months after placement when the patient died . No posts and cores in groups 1 or 2 had been lost or had any complications , one in group 3 had been lost because of a root fracture after 108 months , and two in group 4 had been lost after 54 and 88 months , respectively , because of loss of retention . The final treatment result for 46 of the 49 remaining posts ( 30 patients ) was successful . The overall failure rate was 6 % . There were no statistically significant differences between the four groups . CONCLUSION If recommended procedures are strictly followed , posts and cores can serve as abutments for fixed single crowns with satisfactory long-term results This study reports a prospect i ve clinical trial comparing a carbon fibre reinforced carbon ( CFRC ) endodontic post with a conventional prefabricated post .  Twenty-seven single rooted maxillary anterior teeth in 18 patients ( nine males and nine females ; age range 18 - 60 years ) were restored either with a CFRC post or a wrought precious alloy control . Cast type III gold alloy cores were used in conjunction with both post groups . The CRFC posts ( n = 16 ) were cemented with a composite luting agent and the conventional posts ( control ) were cemented with zinc phosphate . Four failures were recorded in the CFRC post group at 24 , 29 , 56 and 87 months , compared with one failure in the control group at 84 months . These results suggest that post-retained crowns utilizing a CFRC material and a composite resin luting agent do not perform as well as conventional wrought precious alloy posts STATEMENT OF PROBLEM A self-contained post and core system , Composipost , comprising an epoxy-based carbon fiber post , a composite core material , and a low viscosity Bis-GMA bonding resin , has recently been marketed for the restoration of pulpless teeth . PURPOSE This study compared the in vitro performance and the failure characteristics of the Composipost system against existing post and core combinations . MATERIAL AND METHODS Using extracted human teeth , three post and core test groups and one control group were then tested to failure with an obliquely applied compressive load at 130 degrees in a Hounsfield testing-machine with a crosshead speed of 5 cm/minute . RESULTS The mean stress values at failure ( MNm.2 ) with st and ard deviations for each group were as follows : Composipost system 8.89 , SD 2.40 ; stainless steel post and composite core 14.18 , SD 3.49 ; cast gold alloy post and gold alloy core 15.25 , SD 4.07 ; and endodontically treated tooth only 24.84 SD 4.58 . CONCLUSION The specimens restored with the Composipost system exhibited inferior strength properties in comparison to the other post and core systems tested ( p < 0.01 ) . Teeth without post and core foundations tested significantly stronger than the other comparison groups ( p < 0.01 ) PURPOSE The first purpose of this study was to compare the retentive values of zinc phosphate and Panavia F resin cements when used for luting cast dowel and cores . The second purpose was to determine whether the use of a lubricant when making the resin pattern for a custom dowel and core would have an effect on the final retention of dowels cemented with either zinc phosphate or Panavia F cements . METHODS AND MATERIAL S Sixty-three caries-free extracted single-rooted human teeth were r and omly divided into three groups of 21 .  Root canal preparations were st and ardized for all 63 teeth . Clinical protocol s for fabricating and cementing dowel and core restorations were examined , comparing zinc phosphate and Panavia F resin cements . Direct dowel patterns were fabricated using the Para Post system and cast in a noble metal alloy . Group I dowel spaces were lubricated with GC lubricant prior to dowel pattern fabrication and cleaned with Cavidry solvent before cementing the cast dowel and core with zinc phosphate cement . Group II dowel spaces were rinsed with water only prior to dowel pattern fabrication . The dowels and cores in this group were cemented with Panavia F resin cement . Group III dowel spaces were lubricated with GC lubricant prior to dowel pattern fabrication ; the dowel spaces were cleaned with Cavidry solvent before the cast dowel and cores were cemented with Panavia F cement . The tensile force necessary to remove the cast dowel and cores was determined using a universal testing machine . Results were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey 's HSD test . RESULTS The dowels and cores in Group I had significantly higher retentive values than either of the two Panavia F groups ( p < or = 0.001 ) . No difference in retentive values ( p > 0.05 ) was found between dowels luted with either of the lubricating agents in the Panavia F groups . CONCLUSIONS Zinc phosphate cement had higher retentive values when cementing cast dowel and cores than Panavia F. The type of lubricant used for the resin dowel fabrication ( water or GC lubricant that was removed with a solvent ) had no effect on the retention of cast dowels cemented with Panavia INTRODUCTION This is the first clinical long-term pilot study that tested the biomimetic concept of using more flexible , dentine-like ( low Young modulus ) glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin posts ( GFREPs ) compared with rather rigid , stiff ( higher Young modulus ) titanium posts ( TPs ) in order to improve the survival rate of severely damaged endodontically treated teeth . METHODS Ninety-one subjects in need of postendodontic restorations in teeth with 2 or less remaining cavity walls were r and omly assigned to receive either a tapered TP ( n = 46 ) or a tapered GFREP ( n = 45 ) . The posts were adhesively luted using self-adhesive resin cement . The composite core build-ups were prepared ensuring a circumferential 2-mm ferrule . The primary endpoint was a loss of restoration for any reason . To study group differences , the log-rank test was calculated ( P < .05 ) . Hazard plots were constructed . RESULTS After 84 months of observation ( mean = 71.2 months ) , 7 restorations failed ( ie , 4 GFREPs and 3 TPs ) . The failure modes were as follows : GFREP : root fracture ( n = 3 ) , core fracture ( n = 1 ) and TP : endodontic failure ( n = 3 ) . No statistical difference was found between the survival rates ( GFREPs = 90.2 % , TPs = 93.5 % , P = .642 ) . The probability of no failure was comparable for both post material s ( risk ratio ; 95 % confidence interval , 0.965 - 0.851/1.095 ) . CONCLUSIONS When using self-adhesive luted prefabricated posts in severely destroyed abutment teeth with 2 or less cavity walls and a 2-mm ferrule , postendodontic restorations achieved high long-term survival rates irrespective of the post material used ( ie , glass fiber vs titanium ) OBJECTIVES This retrospective study investigated the clinical effectiveness over up to 8 years of parallel-sided and of tapered glass-fiber posts , in combination with either hybrid composite or dual-cure composite resin core material , in endodontically treated , maxillary anterior teeth covered with full-ceramic crowns . METHODS The study population comprised 192 patients and 526 endodontically treated teeth , with various degrees of hard-tissue loss , restored by the post- and -core technique .  Four groups were defined based on post shape and core build-up material s , and within each group post- and -core restorations were assigned r and omly with respect to root morphology . Inclusion criteria were symptom-free endodontic therapy , root-canal treatment with a minimum apical seal of 4 mm , application of rubber dam , need for post- and -core complex because of coronal tooth loss , and tooth with at least one residual coronal wall . Survival rate of the post- and -core restorations was determined using Kaplan-Meier statistical analysis . RESULTS The restorations were examined clinical ly and radiologically ; mean observation period was 5.3 years . The overall survival rate of glass-fiber post- and -core restorations was 98.5 % . The survival rate for parallel-sided posts was 98.6 % and for tapered posts was 96.8 % . Survival rates for core build-up material s were 100 % for dual-cure composite and 96.8 % for hybrid light-cure composite . CONCLUSIONS For both glass-fiber post design s and for both core build-up material s , clinical performance was satisfactory . Survival was higher for teeth retaining four and three coronal walls PURPOSE This prospect i ve clinical follow-up evaluated the acceptability of quartz fiber-reinforced epoxy posts used in endodontically treated teeth over a 30-month period . MATERIAL S AND METHODS In 132 patients , 180 endodontically treated teeth were restored using AEstheti-Plus quartz-fiber posts . The posts were luted with the All-Bond 2 adhesive system and C&B Resin Cement according to the manufacturer 's recommendations . The core was made with Core-Flo or Bis-Core , and all-ceramic crowns or metal-ceramic crowns were applied as final restorations . The parameters considered as clinical failure were displacement , detachment , or fracture of posts ; core or root fracture ; and crown or prosthesis decementation . Patients were reevaluated at 6 , 12 , 24 , and 30 months . RESULTS One cohesive failure involving a margin of the composite core was observed after 2 weeks , and two adhesive fractures were seen after 2 months . These failures were located between the cement and the dentin walls of the canals . All three failures occurred during removal of the temporary crown . The percentage of failures was thus 1.7 % over a 30-month period , but it was possible to successfully replace the restoration in all three failed cases . CONCLUSION Over a 30-month period , the rehabilitation of endodontically treated teeth using quartz-fiber posts showed good clinical results . No crown or prosthesis decementation was observed , and no post , core , or root fractures were recorded This study investigated how the absence of a ferrule affected the failure load of teeth that had been restored with bonded fiber posts and resin cores . There was a significant difference ( p < 0.001 ) between the ferrule and nonferrule groups ' load to failure . For the ferrule group , root fracture was the predominant mode of failure ; in the nonferrule group , debonding failures were predominant STATEMENT OF PROBLEM The in vitro effectiveness of a uniform circumferential ferrule has been established in the literature ; however , the effect of a nonuniform circumferential ferrule height on fracture resistance is unknown . PURPOSE This in vitro study investigated the resistance to static loading of endodontically treated teeth with uniform and nonuniform ferrule configurations . MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty extracted intact maxillary human central incisors were r and omly assigned to 1 of 5 groups : CRN , no root canal treatment ( RCT ) , restored with a crown ; RCT /CRN , no dowel/core , restored with a crown ; 2 FRL , 2-mm ferrule , cast dowel/core and crown ; 0.5/2 FRL , nonuniform ferrule ( 2 mm buccal and lingual , 0.5 mm proximal ) , cast dowel/core and crown ; and 0 FRL , no ferrule , cast dowel/core and crown . The teeth were prepared to st and ardized specifications and stored for 72 hours in 100 % humidity prior to testing . Testing was conducted with a universal testing machine with the application of a static load , and the load ( N ) at failure was recorded . Statistical analysis was performed with a 1-way analysis of variance and the Tukey Honestly Significant Difference test ( alpha=.05 ) . The mode of fracture was noted by visual inspection for all specimens . RESULTS There was strong evidence of group differences in mean fracture strength ( P < .0001 ) . Following adjustment for all pairwise group comparisons , it was found that the lack of a ferrule result ed in a significantly lower mean fracture strength ( 0 FRL : 264.93 + /- 78.33 N ) relative to all other groups . The presence of a nonuniform ( 0.5 to 2-mm vertical height ) ferrule ( 0.5/2 FRL : 426.64 + /- 88.33 N ) result ed in a significant decrease ( P = .0001 ) in mean fracture strength when compared with the uniform 2-mm vertical ferrule ( 2 FRL : 587.23 + /- 110.25 N ) , the group without RCT ( CRN : 583.67 + /- 86.09 N ) , and the RCT -treated tooth with a crown alone ( CRN/ RCT : 571.04 + /- 154.86 N ) . The predominant mode of failure was an oblique fracture extending from the lingual margin to the facial surface just below the insertion of the tooth into the acrylic resin . CONCLUSION The results demonstrated that central incisors restored with cast dowel/core and crowns with a 2-mm uniform ferrule were more fracture resistant compared to central incisors with nonuniform ( 0.5 to 2 mm ) ferrule heights . Both the 2-mm ferrule and nonuniform ferrule groups were more fracture resistant than the group that lacked a ferrule PURPOSE To assess whether the amount of residual coronal dentin and the placement of a prefabricated ( DT Light Post ) ( LP ) or a customized fiber post ( Ever Stick Post ) ( ES ) have a significant influence on the 3-year survival of endodontically treated premolars . METHODS A sample of 345 patients provided six groups of 60 premolars in need of endodontic treatment . Groups were defined based on the amount of dentin left at the coronal level after endodontic treatment and before abutment build-up . Within each group teeth were r and omly divided into three subgroups ( n = 20 ) . In Subgroup A , no root canal retention was provided for the coronal restoration . In Subgroups B and C , LP and ES , respectively , were placed inside the root canal . All the teeth were finally restored with a single unit metal-ceramic crown . RESULTS Data were not affected by any loss to follow-up . The overall 36-month survival rate of crowned endodontically treated premolars was 76.7 % . The lowest survival rate was recorded for teeth restored without any root canal retention ( 62.5 % ) . Teeth restored with LP had a survival rate higher ( 90.9 % ) than those restored with ES ( 76.7 % ) . The Cox regression analysis showed that the presence of root canal retention was a significant factor for survival ( P < 0.05 ) . The decrease in failure risk was higher in teeth restored with LP ( HR = 0.1 ; 95 % CI for HR = 0.09 to 0.34 ; P < 0.001 ) than when using ES ( HR = 0.5 ; 95 % CI for HR = 0.3 to 0.7 ; P = 0.003 ) . Teeth retaining one ( HR = 0.3 ; 95 % CI for HR = 0.2 to 0.7 ; P = 0.003 ) , two ( HR = 0.2 ; 95 % CI for HR = 0.1 to 0.5 ; P < 0.001 ) , or three coronal walls ( HR = 0.1 ; 95 % CI for HR = 0.05 to 0.3 ; P < 0.001 ) had a significantly lower failure risk than teeth deprived even of the ferrule effect . Similar failure risks existed for teeth missing all the coronal walls regardless of the presence or absence of a ferrule effect ( P > 0.05 ) . Interaction terms were not significant ( P > 0.05 ) . Post placement and the amount of residual coronal dentin affected the 3-year survival of endodontically treated premolars OBJECTIVE The study evaluated the clinical performance and marginal adaptation of  direct and semi-direct class II composite restorations  in a split-mouth design over 3.5 years . DESIGN 44 upper posterior teeth in 11 adults with primary carious lesions were treated with 22  direct and 22  semi-direct restorations . Conventional cavities were prepared for both types of restorations . A fine fine hybrid composite ( APH ) and a multifunctional adhesive system ( Prisma universal bond 3 ) were used for all restorations . The incremental " 3-sited light curing " technique was applied to direct restorations . Semi-direct inlays were prefabricated on silicone casts and post-cured using light and heat .  Clinical performance was evaluated using modified USPHS parameters , while marginal adaptation was judged on replicas , using SEM and a st and ardized evaluation technique . RESULTS Clinical results after 3.5 years revealed a 100 % retention rate with no fractures , sensitivity or recurrent caries for both types of restorations . SEM-evaluation of the occlusal margins showed at the tooth-restoration interface relatively low rates of marginal openings over the observation period ( 4 - 8 % ) . Marginal restoration fractures ranged between 1 and 2 % , marginal tooth fractures between 3 and 9 % . Differences between the restorative techniques and after the different time observation periods were not statistically significant . Proportions of marginal fractures and openings at the restoration-luting composite interface were less than 10 % after 3.5 years . CONCLUSION The results indicated no significant differences for direct and semi-direct fine hybrid composite restorations  in medium size cavities in posterior teeth with respect to clinical performance and marginal adaptation over 3.5 years Objective Considering that periodontal ligament simulation may influence the stress distribution over teeth restored with intraradicular retainers , this study aim ed to assess the combined effect of mechanical cycling and periodontal ligament simulation on both the bond strength between fiber posts and root dentin and the fracture resistance of teeth restored using glass fiber posts . Material and Methods Ninety roots were r and omly distributed into 3 groups ( n=10 )  ( C-MC : control ; P-MC : polyether ; AS-MC : addition silicone ) to test bond strength and 6 groups ( n=10 )  ( C : control ; P : polyether ; AS : addition silicone , without mechanical cycling , and C-MC , P-MC and AS-MC with mechanical cycling ) to test fracture strength , according to the material used to simulate the periodontal ligament . For the bond strength test , fiber posts were cemented , cores were built , mechanical cycling was applied ( 2 × 106 cycles , 88 N , 2.2 Hz , and 45º incline ) , and the teeth cut into 3 slices ( 2 mm ) , which were then subjected to the push-out test at 1 mm/min . For the fracture strength test , fiber posts were cemented , cores were built , and half of the groups received mechanical cycling , followed by the compressive strength ( 45 ° to the long axis and 1 mm/min ) performed on all groups . Results Periodontal ligament simulation did not affect the bond strength ( p=0.244 ) between post and dentin . Simulation of periodontal ligament ( p=0.153 ) and application of mechanical cycling ( p=0.97 ) did not affect fracture resistance . Conclusions The material s used to simulate the periodontal ligament did not affect fracture or bond strength , therefore periodontal ligament simulation using the tested material s could be considered optional in the conditions of the study Objective : Bacterial leakage and root fractures are the most important reasons of root canal treatment failure . Due to the lack of adhesion of gutta percha to the canal walls , Resilon has been introduced as a root-filling material able to bond to the root walls . Metal posts may predispose the tooth walls to oblique and vertical fracture which usually leads to tooth loss ; whereas , fiber posts may reinforce the remaining tooth structure . The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of Resilon and gutta-percha on the fracture resistance of root canal following restoring with quartz fiber posts . Material s and Methods : Forty-four maxillary incisor root canals were chemo-mechanically prepared , then r and omly divided into three groups : 1-Control group ( n=20 ) , 2-Experimental group ( n=20 ) and a negative control group ( n=4 ) . Root filled teeth were restored with quartz fiber posts and composite resin cores .  Four teeth with a conservative prepared access cavities and without any further post preparation were used as a negative control group . After simulating the clinical situation , specimens were loaded in the Universal Testing Machine for compressive strength test . All data were statistically analyzed by the T-test . Results : The mean compressive strengths for group 1 was 535.8 ± 155.23 N and 645.93 ± 182.98N for group 2 , which were statistically significant ( p-value= 0.047 ) . Conclusion : Root canals filled with Resilon were significantly more resistant than that of gutta-percha , following restoration with quartz fiber posts BACKGROUND A prospect i ve study was started in 1995 to evaluate the success of carbon fibre reinforced epoxy resin ( CFRR ) posts used to restore endodontically treated teeth . All the teeth in the study had lost more than 50 % of their coronal structure . METHODS Fifty-nine carbon fibre Composiposts cemented with Metabond and built up with Core Paste cores were placed into the teeth of 47 patients . Each tooth received a full-coverage restoration ( porcelain fused to metal crown ) and was followed for 6.7 - 45.4 months ( average = 28.0 months , st and ard deviation = 10.7 ) . RESULTS Results for 52 teeth in 42 patients were analyzed . There were no fractures . The overall failure rate was 7.7 % and the cumulative survival rate was 89.6 % at the end of the follow-up period . The only statistically significant finding ( p = 0.04 ) was that posts in lower premolars were at higher risk of failure . CONCLUSION CFRR posts are among the most predictable systems available today . CFRR posts in the upper anterior teeth are associated with a higher success rate and longer life than those placed in premolars , especially lower premolars . This study contributes to the growing body of evidence that supports the use of CFRR posts in the restoration of endodontically treated teeth The purpose of this study was to assess the fracture resistance of roots that were prosthetically restored with intra-radicular posts  of different lengths . Forty-five bovine incisors were sectioned 17 mm from their apices , endodontically treated and r and omly divided into three experimental groups : GI , fibreglass posts luted at a depth of 12 mm ; GII , 8 mm and GIII , 4 mm . All posts were luted with dual resin cement . Resin composite cores were prepared with st and ardized measurements , and all teeth were restored with metal crowns . The sample s were su bmi tted to the fracture resistance test in a universal testing machine , at an angle of 135 degrees and speed of 0.5 mm min(-1 ) , until fracture occurred . The data , in MPa , were su bmi tted to the analysis of variance ( anova ) followed by Tukey 's test ( alpha = 0.01 ) . No statistically significant difference ( P > 0.01 ) was found between GI ( 129.72 + /- 12.14 ) and GII ( 154.3 + /- 12.08 ) , which presented the highest fracture resistance values . Group GIII ( 100.5 + /- 8.07 ) showed lower fracture resistance ( P < 0.01 ) when compared with GI and GII . Within the limitations of this study , it was concluded that the post lengths influenced the fracture resistance of prosthetically restored roots . These results suggest that it is not necessary to perform excessive intra-radicular post-space preparation to improve the fracture resistance of roots OBJECTIVE This study investigates the treatment outcome of a root-end filling technique that uses a light-cured compomer combined with a light-cured dental adhesive . STUDY DESIGN The study used 34 single-rooted teeth restored with post , core , and crowns . A shallow concave apical preparation was filled with a light-cured compomer with a light-cured dental adhesive . As a control , a chemically cured glass ionomer was used with a conventional root-end preparation . A follow-up clinical and radiographic evaluation of the treatment result was conducted after 1 year . RESULTS A significantly higher success rate ( P<.015 ) was observed in the treatment group that used a compomer ( 89 % complete healing ) compared to glass ionomer ( 44 % complete healing ) . CONCLUSIONS When used as a retro grade root filling in a shallow concave preparation , a light-cured compomer and a dental adhesive improves healing regardless of the quality of the remaining root filling OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to provide prospect i ve clinical data for the survival of postendodontic reconstructions of teeth with varying degrees of hard tissue loss using tapered or parallel-sided post shapes . METHODS Eighty-three patients got 105 glass fibre reinforced posts of tapered ( Luscent Anchors , Dentatus , Sweden ) and parallel-sided , serrated ( FibreKor , Jeneric Pentron , USA ) post shape . A dual curing hybrid composite Compolute ( 3 M ESPE , Germany ) was used as luting material , EBS-Multi ( 3 M ESPE ) as adhesive system and Clearfil Core ( Kuraray , Japan ) for core built-up . The restorations were followed for a minimum of 24 months . The statistical analysis was performed on a r and om sub- sample of one restoration per subject . The Fisher exact test was used to compare frequencies of failures after 12 and 24 month . A Kaplan-Meier- analysis was used to analyse time-to-failure in both groups . Differences of survival time between post types were tested with the log-rank test . RESULTS 3.8 % of the restorations failed after 12 month , 12.8 % after 24 month , respectively . The main failure type observed was post fractures . All but one failed teeth could be restored . There was no difference in failure frequency between post types after 12 or 24 months . The log-rank test showed no differences in survival between the two types of post ( p=0.37 ) . CONCLUSION Parallel-sided and tapered glass fibre posts result after 2 years of clinical service in an equal rate of survival
A comparison of fracture loads in the in vitro studies revealed no significant difference between cast and direct posts and cores .
Meta- analysis of the data suggested that there is no difference in fracture behavior associated with the 2 treatment modalities .
Direct  post- and -core restorations with prefabricated posts are becoming increasingly popular .
A literature review was conducted to compare the clinical and in vitro performance of cast posts and cores to that of direct cores with prefabricated posts in single-rooted teeth .