RCT Comparing Effects of Post-placement on Survival-rate of Postendodontic Restorations

Methods: 90 patients providing 120 teeth with a need for postendodontic restorations were included. Three groups (n=40) were defined based on the amount of dentin at the coronal level before core build-up. G1: two or more walls exceeding 2 mm above the gingival level, G2: one wall exceeding 2 mm above the gingival level, G3: no wall exceeding 2 mm above the gingival level. Within each group the teeth were randomized and allocated to two intervention groups (n=20). In subgroup A no root canal retention was provided, while in subgroup B DT were placed. Post luting and core build-up were performed using Clearfil Core/New Bond (Kuraray), and definitive single unit restorations were placed. Patients were observed 6 and 12 months after placement of the final restoration and annually thereafter up to 60 months.

Results: Four patients were lost to follow-up. The mean (SD) observation period was 32.4 (13.7) months. In subgroups A the three year survival rate of the restoration was 86%; subgroups B amounted to 94%. Only in G3 post placement significantly affected the survival rate of postendodontic restorations (p=0.024; Log Rank Test); G3A revealed significantly lower survival rates (58%) compared to G3B (93%).

Conclusion: Quartz fibre post placement results in significantly higher survival rates for postendodontic restorations of teeth that exhibit no coronal wall above 2 mm of the gingival level.