Fracture resistance of reattached fragments using three different techniques with emphasis on vertical grooves and fiber-reinforced composite post: A novel technique

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare relatively less explored fragment reattachment methods following traumatic injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty sound permanent maxillary incisors were selected and mounted in acrylic blocks. Teeth were sectioned using the diamond disc and randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 20), Group A, B, C, D. In Group A, after reattachment with composite, a 1 mm-depth circumferential chamfer was placed in the fracture line using a diamond disc bur and filled with composite. In Group B, two vertical grooves 1 mm deep, 1 mm wide, and 4 mm length were placed on the labial surface perpendicular to the fracture line and filled with two fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts and composite. In Group C, dentin is removed from the fragment and filled with composite. In Group D, the teeth were intact which served as control group. The force required to fracture the reattached teeth were recorded in Newton's using an onscreen calibration tool of the universal testing machine. RESULTS: Teeth in Groups A, B, C required lesser force to fracture when compared with the teeth of the Group D. When compared to Group D, Group A showed a fracture resistance of 36%, Group B 62%, and Group C 32%. CONCLUSION: This study proves that reattachment by vertical grooves with FRC posts showed highest fracture resistance and it is the most preferred method. So far no attempt has been made to reattach fractured fragment using vertical grooves and reinforcing with FRC posts.