Fracture Resistance of Simulated Immature Teeth Obturated with GuttaPercha or Resilon and Reinforced by Composite or Post

Objectives: The purpose of this ex- vivo study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth, obturated with Gutta-percha or Resilon and reinforced by either composite resin or fiber post. Materials and Methods: Eighty-four human maxillary incisors were divided into seven groups (n=12). Teeth in all groups were prepared until Peeso #5 (1.5mm) could be passed through the apex. Root ends received 4mm of MTA plug as an apical bar- rier. Groups received the followings: 1.Gutta-percha, 2.Resilon, 3.Gutta-percha + composite resin, 4.Resilon + composite resin, 5.Gutta-percha + fiber post, 6.Resilon + fiber post and 7.No obturation (control group). Access openings were filled with com- posite resin. Specimens were then subjected to oblique load using Instron Testing Ma- chine. The mean peak load at fracture was recorded and analyzed using ANOVA. Results: Experimental groups had a significantly more fracture resistance than the control group (P< 0.05). No significant difference was seen between experimental groups. Teeth reinforced by fiber post showed favorable fracture resistance. Conclusion: Treatment plans used in this study increase the fracture resistance of immature teeth. Use of fiber posts in immature teeth, may be the most favorable clini- cally applicable technique.