Evaluation of titanium mesh and fibers in reinforcing endodontically treated molars: An in vitro study

AIM/OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the fracture resistance of titanium mesh and fibers that could aid as a substitute for crown coverage. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: Forty extracted human mandibular molar teeth were selected for this study and were divided into four groups (n = 10). Access cavity preparation was done in all experimental teeth (Groups 2–4) maintaining 1.2–1.5 mm diameter of tooth structure around the circumference to mimic the structural loss of teeth due to the extent of dental caries. Group 1 consisted of intact teeth which were assigned as control. Group 2 was reinforced with titanium mesh. Group 3 was reinforced with glass fiber. Group 4 was reinforced with polyethylene fiber. The access cavities in all the experimental teeth were later filled with nanohybrid composite and were subjected to fracture resistance using a universal testing machine. RESULTS: The results of the study were evaluated statistically using the Kruskal–Wallis test. There was no statistically significant difference among the experimental and control groups. CONCLUSION: Within the constraint of this in vitro study, an inference can be given that fiber-reinforced composite and titanium mesh could rule out the mandatory procedure of crown placement for endodontically treated molars.