Evaluation of different fibers and biodentine as alternates to crown coverage for endodontically treated molars: An in vitro study

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to evaluate the fracture resistance of newer restorative materials that could serve as an alternate to crown coverage. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty extracted human mandibular molar teeth were selected for this study and were divided into four groups (n = 10). All the teeth in the experimental groups (Group 2-4) were subjected to access cavity preparation with roughly 1.5 mm of tooth structure remaining throughout the circumference. Group 1: Intact teeth used as control. Group 2: Access cavities reinforced with biodentine. Group 3: Inner circumference of access cavities reinforced with polyethylene fiber and nano-hybrid composite. Group 4: Access cavities were reinforced with fiber reinforced composite. All the teeth were subjected to fracture resistance using universal testing machine. RESULTS The results of the study were evaluated statistically using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test. Group 2 demonstrated the least mean values of fracture resistance and was significantly different from the control and other experimental groups. Statistically significant difference among Groups 1, 3, and 4 was not found. CONCLUSION Within the limitation of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that fiber reinforced composite and polyethylene fibers with nanohybrid composite could serve as an alternate to crown coverage.