A retrospective study of 236 patients with teeth restored by carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy resin posts.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The Composipost dowel is made of stretched, aligned carbon fibres embedded in an epoxy-resin matrix. It is widely used in Europe and Canada for the restoration of endodontically treated teeth and was introduced in the United States 2 years ago as the C-Post dowel.

PURPOSE

This retrospective study evaluated treatment outcome of the Composipost system after 2 to 3 years.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 236 patients treated during a 1-year period by seven Swedish dental practitioners were included. Of those, 146 patients consented and data were collected from the dental records of the remaining patients. Thus, the material comprised 236 teeth restored with carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy resin post, 130 maxillary and 106 mandibular teeth, with a mean restoration time of 32 months (range 27 to 41). Periodontal conditions, radiographic signs, and prosthodontic results were recorded.

RESULTS

Five teeth (2%) had been extracted for reasons unrelated to the Composipost system. Periodontal conditions such as plaque accumulation, gingival health, bleeding on probing, and pocket depth around the teeth with Composipost dowels were similar to the control teeth. No dislodgment or root or post fractures were observed clinically or on radiographs. Radiographic examination of bone height measured from the apex to the bone margin mesially and distally showed differences on the mesial side but not on the distal surface (p < 0.05) between the Composipost-treated teeth and the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Promising results after 2 to 3 years of clinical service indicate that this system can be a viable alternative to conventional post-and-core systems.