Jürgen Manhart presents a clinical case using fiberglass reinforced composite endodontic posts Fiberglass reinforced composite endodontic posts

The prosthetic treatment of seriously damaged, endodonticallytreated teeth often require an endodontic post as an additional retention element for core build-up prior to crown restoration. In addition to metal-based posts and zirconia-based ceramic posts, fiber-reinforced composite posts have recently become a center of interest for dentists and science. In the past it was commonly accepted that teeth would become brittle after root canal treatment, and manifest as an increased risk of fracture. Allegedly, the strengthening effect of endodontic posts should compensate for the weakness. We now know that the mechanical properties of tooth substance are not significantly impaired by endodontic treatment (Kurtz et al, 1981; Reeh, Messer, Douglas, 1989). Weakening of endodontically-treated teeth is rather the result of additional carious or traumatic destruction, preexisting loss of tooth substance through the access cavity and the preparation of the root canals (Linn, Messer, 1994; Reeh, Messer, Douglas, 1989). Further tooth substance removing measures – such as unnecessary, expansive preparation of the canals and post preparation for endodontic posts – additionally weaken the tooth. The strength of endodontically-treated teeth cannot be increased through endodontic posts. On the contrary, weakening and/or an increase in clinical failure in teeth with endodontic posts is a possibility. CPD Aims and objections