Fracture Resistance of Simulated Immature Teeth Obturated with Gutta-Percha or Resilon and Reinforced by Composite or Post

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this ex- vivo study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth, obturated with Gutta-percha or Resilon and reinforced by either composite resin or fiber post. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-four human maxillary incisors were divided into seven groups (n=12). Teeth in all groups were prepared until Peeso #5 (1.5mm) could be passed through the apex. Root ends received 4mm of MTA plug as an apical barrier. Groups received the followings: 1.Gutta-percha, 2.Resilon, 3.Gutta-percha + composite resin, 4.Resilon + composite resin, 5.Gutta-percha + fiber post, 6.Resilon + fiber post and 7.No obturation (control group). Access openings were filled with composite resin. Specimens were then subjected to oblique load using Instron Testing Machine. The mean peak load at fracture was recorded and analyzed using ANOVA. RESULTS: Experimental groups had a significantly more fracture resistance than the control group (P< 0.05). No significant difference was seen between experimental groups. Teeth reinforced by fiber post showed favorable fracture resistance. CONCLUSION: Treatment plans used in this study increase the fracture resistance of immature teeth. Use of fiber posts in immature teeth, may be the most favorable clinically applicable technique.