Effect of Smart Dentin Replacement, Biodentine, and Its Combination for Dentin Replacement as Alternatives to Full-crown Coverage for Endodontically Treated Molars: An In Vitro Study

AIM: The aim of this in vitro study was to assess newer dentin replacement restorative materials that could substitute full-crown coverage restoration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty freshly extracted maxillary and mandibular molars were selected for this in vitro study and were randomly divided into four groups of five teeth each. All the teeth in the experimental groups (Groups 2–4) were subjected to access cavity preparation, mimicking class 1 deep dentinal caries without involving marginal ridges, and with approximately 1.5 mm of tooth structure remaining throughout its circumference. Group 1: sound molar teeth, which will serve as a control group. Group 2: endodontically treated molars restored with smart dentin replacement (SDR) as post-endodontic restoration. Group 3: endodontically treated molars restored with Biodentine as post-endodontic restoration. Group 4: endodontically treated molars restored with the combination of SDR and Biodentine as the post-endodontic restoration. Fracture resistance of all the teeth was then evaluated using a universal testing machine. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The results of this in vitro study were calculated statistically using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc tests such as Tukey’s, Scheffe’s, Bonferroni, and Holm tests for intragroup comparison. RESULTS: Statistically significant results were observed among all groups, except Group 2 (SDR) and Group 4 (combination of SDR and Biodentine). The highest and lowest values were noted with Groups 2 and 3, respectively, (P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: SDR alone or the combination of SDR with Biodentine can be considered as a substitute for full-crown coverage restoration for endodontically treated molars.