Evaluation of two post core systems using two different methods (fracture strength test and a finite elemental stress analysis).

The aim of this study was to compare a fiber composite laminate (FCL) post core and a conventional cast post core system by using two different methods. The first method was a conventional fracture strength test, and the second was a finite elemental stress-analysis method (FEM). For the conventional fracture strength test, 20 extracted, human upper, central incisors were used. The teeth were decoronated, treated endodontically, and restored with two post core systems. After embedding the samples in resin blocks, a loading force was applied to the teeth at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/ min at an angle of 45 degrees to the long axis of the tooth. The data were recorded, and the results were compared by using the Mann-Whitney U test. There was no statistically significant difference between the two post systems (p > 0.05). For FEM analysis, a pseudo three-dimensional model of a maxillary central incisor, theoretically restored with either a cast post or an FCL, was used. The analysis was performed by using the structural analysis program (SAP90). FEM analysis showed that stress was accumulated within the cast post core system, and transmission of stress to supportive structures and the tooth was low. This is an advantage for tooth and supporting tissues. When the FCL post core system was evaluated by FEM, the results indicated that this system transferred stress to supportive structures and the tooth while stress accumulation within the post system was low. This is an advantage for the restoration but disadvantage for the supporting tissues.