Reinforcing the cervical dentin with bonded materials to improve fracture resistance of endodontically treated roots

INTRODUCTION: Endodontic procedure leads to the loss of tooth structure resulting in fractures. Intraorifice barriers of bonded restorative materials placed in the cervical third of tooth may help in increasing fracture resistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human mandibular premolars (n = 75) underwent decoronation to adjust working length at 14 mm and prepared up to F3. They were obturated using gutta-percha and resin sealer AH-Plus and randomly divided into five groups (n = 15), Group 1: Control obturated with gutta-percha only. Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 had placement of intraorifice barriers after the removal of 3 mm coronal gutta-percha such that Group 2: RMGI, Group 3: Self-adhering flowable composite, Group 4: Bulkfill Flowable Composite, and Group 5: mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Mounting of specimens was done in acrylic resin to expose coronal 3 mm and tested using the universal testing machine. RESULTS: Group 1 (control) showed least fracture strength among all groups. Among those with intraorifice barriers, Group 2 Resin-modified glass ionomer cement showed maximum fracture resistance followed by Group 4 (Bulkfill composite) and Group 5 (self-adhering flowable composite) and least by Group 5 (MTA). CONCLUSION: The type of intraorifice barrier had a significant impact on root fracture resistance.