Long-term retrospective study of the clinical performance of fiber posts

Purpose

To retrospectively evaluate the long-term clinical performance of three types of fiber posts after a service period of 7-11 years.

Methods

985 posts were included in the study: 615 Composiposts, 160 Æstethi-Posts and 210 Æstheti-Plus Posts were placed into endodontically treated teeth. Four combinations of dentin adhesives/luting materials were used. Endodontic and prosthodontic results were recorded.

Results

A 7-11% failure rate was recorded for the three types of posts. 79 failures in total were noted; 39 due to endodontic reasons, 1 root fracture, 1 fiber post fracture, 17 crown dislodgements and 21 due to post debonding. The mechanical failures were always related to the lack of coronal tooth structure.

The results indicated that fiber posts in combination with bonding/luting materials may be used routinely for restoring endodontically treated teeth. Mechanical failure of restored teeth with fiber posts can be related to the amount of residual coronal structure.