Influence of Post Types and Sizes on Fracture Resistance in the Immature Tooth Model

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of post types and sizes on fracture resistance in immature tooth model with various restorative techniques. Bovine incisors were sectioned 8 mm above and 12 mm below the cementoenamel junction to simulate immature tooth model. To compare various postand-core restorations, canals were restored with gutta-percha and resin core, or reinforced dentin wall with dual-cured resin composite, followed by placement of D.T. LIGHT-POST, ParaPost XT, and various sizes of EverStick Post individually. All of specimens were stored in the distilled water for 72 hours and underwent 6,000 thermal cycles. After simulation of periodontal ligament structure with polyether impression material, compressive load was applied at 45 degrees to the long axis of the specimen until fracture was occurred. Experimental groups reinforced with post and composite resin were shown significantly higher fracture strength than gutta-percha group without post placement (p < 0.05). Most specimens fractured limited to cervical third of roots. Post types did not influence on fracture resistance and fracture level significantly when cement space was filled with dual-cured resin composite. In addition, no statistically significant differences were seen between customized and standardized glass fiber posts, which cement spaces were filled with resin cement or composite resin individually. Therefore, root reinforcement procedures as above in immature teeth improved fracture resistance regardless of post types and sizes. [J Kor Acad Cons Dent 35(4):257-266, 2010]