Effect of Ferrule Thickness on Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Incisors Restored with Fiber Post and Metal Crown.

PURPOSE

To assess the influence of ferrule thickness on the fracture resistance and failure mode of endodontically treated bovine incisors and to predict the long-term prognosis, as well as choose the most suitable clinical treatment, for teeth with different ferrule thicknesses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 50 endodontically treated bovine incisors were restored with quartz fiber posts and metal crowns and separated into five groups (n = 10 each): no ferrule (group A); 0.5-mm-thick ferrule (group B); 1.0-mm-thick ferrule (group C); 1.5-mm-thick ferrule (group D); and 2.0-mm-thick ferrule (group E). All specimens were subjected to a fatigue loading test (2.33 Hz, 50 N, 300,000 cycles). Survived specimens were loaded until fracture on a universal testing machine at an angle of 135 degrees and a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute. Failure modes and fracture resistance were recorded. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and least significant difference tests.

RESULTS

A significant increase (P < .05) was detected in fracture resistance with increase in ferrule thickness. Group D (1.5 mm) and group E (2.0 mm) showed significantly higher fracture resistance than the other three groups. All failures belonged to restorable fracture patterns.

CONCLUSION

Ferrule thickness contributed significantly to the fracture resistance of endodontically treated bovine incisors restored with quartz fiber posts and metal crowns. Teeth with ferrule thickness of ≥ 1.5 mm can achieve higher fracture resistance and have a better long-term prognosis.