Clinical Performance Of Glass Fiber Posts. Short-Time Results

Objective: This clinical investigation evaluated the clinical performance of glass fiber root posts in endodontically treated prosthodontic abutment teeth. Methods: 39 abutment teeth in 20 patients were reinforced by using root retained posts and partial composite buildups (if necessary) during prosthodontic treatment (single tooth crowns and 3-unit fixed partial dentures). At least one tooth per patient received a glass fiber post luted with resin luting agent (Rebilda Post, n=21). In cases where more than one abutment tooth required reinforcement, resin luted ZrO2 (Cosmopost/ Variolink 2, n=8) and Titanium alloy posts (UniMetric/ Flexiflow, n=10) were used in order to enable future intraindividual comparisons. Follow-up consisted in clinical examinations encompassing a dental and hygiene status and a quality assessment of the post-supported restorations by modified CDA criteria. Variable of interest was the occurrence of complications or failures related to the post-restoration system. In case of a clinically sound restoration the supporting post was supposed to be sound too. Results: The median observation time of all 22 patients was 16 months (range: 7 to 24m). 33 posts (83%) were observed for more than 12 months. No adverse events occurred. All post-reinforced teeth and supported restorations were free of complication. Conclusion: It is concluded that glass fiber root posts yielded promising first results as reinforcement of endodontically treated abutment teeth supporting crowns and 3-unit FPDs in standard situations.