An In Vitro Study Comparing the Diametral Tensile Strength of Composite Core Build-Up Material With Three Different Prefabricated Post Systems

Statement of problem Dental restorations are subjected to tensile stresses from oblique or transverse loading of their complex geometric forms, making tensile strength a fundamental mechanical property. Since composite core build-up materials are brittle, the integrity of the post and core depends on their tensile strength and resistance to fracture when utilized with various prefabricated post systems. Therefore, it is essential to determine the tensile strength of the prefabricated metallic and nonmetallic posts used to reinforce the composite resin core. Purpose This study compared the diametral tensile strength (DTS) of three prefabricated post systems with composite core build-up material. Material and methodology Ten composite resin cores from four different groups were formed. The control group was the composite resin core without a post (group 1). Group 2 was composed of composites with metal posts, group 3 was composed of composites with glass fiber posts, and group 4 was composed of composites with carbon fiber posts. All the samples were kept in a humid place for seven days to mimic the conditions in the mouth. DTS was determined by recording the tensile force required to fracture the core material by performing a diametral compression test for tension after a week. The observations were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by a post-hoc test. Results The tensile strength of the resin core material was decreased by 28.1%, 20.8%, and 10.4% by using posts made of stainless steel, carbon fiber, and glass fiber, respectively. Among the three post systems, stainless steel had the lowest mean DTS values, while glass fiber had the highest mean DTS values. Conclusion Composite core glass fiber post systems showed higher tensile strength than other post systems.