Choice of Endodontic Fiber Posts and its Influence on Dental Malpractice: An in vitro Evaluation.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The fiber post type used in restoring endodontically treated teeth may affect the dental expert decision in the case of dental malpractice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the low-cost commercial fiber post in comparison with a higher cost or well-known documented fiber post system. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 20 premolars were selected for the study; following endodontic treatment, specimens were randomly divided into two groups of 10 specimens each according to the type of fiber post used: (1) Low-cost commercial fiber post (OYAPost, Taper Lucent, OYARICOM) and (2) higher cost well-known fiber post (Rely X Fiber post, 3M ESPE). Both fiber posts were cemented using self-adhesive cement (Rely X Unicem). Samples were subjected to push-out bond strength and to failure analysis. One-way analysis of variance was used (p < 0.005). RESULTS There was no significant difference between the bond strength of the two tested groups (p > 0.05), while statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was noted between the different post space regions (cervical, middle, and apical). CONCLUSION Based on the evidence from the study, it can be concluded that the type of fiber post should not affect the dental expert decision in the case of dental malpractice/lawsuit. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE All types of low-cost fiber posts may behave similarly to other higher cost or well-documented fiber posts.