Effect of Different Post Materials and Adaptability on Fracture Resistance and Fracture Mode in Human Endodontically Treated Teeth

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of different post materials and adaptability on fracture resistance and fracture mode of endodontically treated teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty extracted human mandibular premolars were selected and divided into 6 groups (n = 10) according to the restorative method after endodontic treatment: no ferrule presented and restored without fiber post (Group C), 2.0 mm ferrule presented and restored without fiber post (Group CF), restored with D.T. Light-Post (Group PDT), restored with anatomically customized D.T. Light-Post, relined with resin composite (Group ADT), restored with Hi-Rem prosthetic post (Group PHR), and restored with anatomically customized Hi-Rem prosthetic post, relined with resin composite (Group AHR). After restoring with core build-up materials, all specimens were loaded at 45° in a universal testing machine until failure. Visual inspection of all specimens for fracture modes was performed. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and the fracture mode was reviewed using the chi-square test. RESULTS: Anatomically customized groups presented statistically significant higher fracture resistance than prefabricated groups and group C (P < 0.05). Without post, group CF displayed significantly higher fracture resistance than group C (P < 0.05). Group C, CF, PDT, and PHR showed some specimens with unfavorable fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomically customized posts presented highest fracture resistance among all groups. There was no significant difference in fracture mode across all groups.