Resistance of endodontically treated roots restored with different fibre post systems with or without post space preparation: in vitro analysis and SEM investigation

Aim: To compare the mechanical resistance to fracture of two conical post systems placed with no preparation of the root canal with that of double taper fibre posts seated in endodontically treated single roots after standard post space preparation using dedicated drills. Methodology: Thirty fibre posts with double (G1, n=10, DT Light Post) and single taper (G2, n=10, SurgiPost Multiconical; G3, n=10, Tech ES Endoshape) were luted with self-adhesive cement in endodontically treated single roots using different post space preparation techniques. The bonded posts were experimentally loaded until failure and the maximum load to fracture was registered. Fracture patterns were qualitatively evaluated and SEM analysis was performed to assess the quality of endodontic treatments and cementation. Data were statistically analysed by means of one-way ANOVA. Results: The mean maximum load to fracture was 165.05 23.46 N in G1, 151.52 16.23 N in G2 and 129.09 15.25 N in G3. Statistically significant differences were pointed out between G1 and G3 (p<0.01) and G2 and G3 (p<0.05). No root fractures were evidenced. SEM analyses showed slightly thicker cement layers at the apical and middle thirds of single taper posts (G2 and G3). Conclusions: DT Light Post and SurgiPost Multiconical fibre posts showed similar properties in terms of mechanical resistance to fracture and higher than those of Tech ES Endoshape. Unrestorable root fractures did not occur with any of the tested posts.