Remaining coronal dentin and risk of fiber-reinforced composite post-core restoration failure: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE

The amount of coronal residual structure has been recognized as critical to the survival probability of pulpless teeth. The aim of this study was to analyze whether and how coronal dentin loss would affect the failure rate of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) post-core restorations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eligible studies were searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases from their inception through April 2014. The risk ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated using the Mantel and Haenszel method.

RESULTS

Five studies were included in this meta-analysis. The risk ratio for coronal wall absence was 2.73 (95% CI: 1.48-5.03). The risk ratio for ferrule absence was 1.94 (95% CI: 0.57-6.54).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis of the limited studies available suggested that coronal wall absence might increase the risk of FRC post-core restoration failure, while the role of ferrule effect is still not entirely understood.