Influence of modification in core building procedure on fracture strength and failure patterns of premolars restored with fiber post and composite core

PURPOSE: The influence of the modified process in the fiber-reinforced post and resin core foundation treatment on the fracture resistance and failure pattern of premolar was tested in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six human mandibular premolars were divided into 4 groups (n = 9). In group DCT, the quartz fibre post (D.T. Light-post) was cemented with resin cement (DUO-LINK) and a core foundation was formed with composite resin (LIGHT-CORE). In group DMO and DMT, resin cement (DUO-LINK) was used for post (D.T. Light-post) cementation and core foundation; in group DMO, these procedures were performed simultaneously in one step, while DMT group was accomplished in separated two steps. In group LCT, the glass fiber post (LuxaPost) cementation and core foundation was accomplished with composite resin (LuxaCore-Dual) in separated procedures. Tooth were prepared with 2 mm ferrule and restored with nickel-chromium crowns. A static loading test was carried out and loads were applied to the buccal surface of the buccal cusp at a 45 degree inclination to the long axis of the tooth until failure occurred. The data were analyzed with MANOVA (α = .05). The failure pattern was observed and classified as either favorable (allowing repair) or unfavorable (not allowing repair). RESULTS: The mean fracture strength was highest in group DCT followed in descending order by groups DMO, DMT, and LCT. However, there were no significant differences in fracture strength between the groups. A higher prevalence of favorable fractures was detected in group DMT but there were no significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: The change of post or core foundation method does not appear to influence the fracture strength and failure patterns.