Clinical evaluation of fiber-reinforced epoxy resin posts and cast post and cores.

PURPOSE This retrospective study evaluated treatment outcome of cast post and core and Composipost systems after 4 yrs of clinical service.

MATERIALS AND METHODS 200 patients were included in the study. They were divided in two groups of 100 endodontically treated teeth restored with a post. Group 1: Composipost systems were luted into root canal following the manufacturer's instructions. Group 2: Cast post and cores were cemented into root canal preparations with a traditional technique. The patients were recalled after 6 months, 1, 2 and 4 yrs and clinical and radiographic examinations were completed. Endodontic and prosthodontic results were recorded.

RESULTS Group 1: 95% of the teeth restored with Composiposts showed clinical success; 3% of these samples were excluded for noncompliance and 2% showed endodontic failure. Group 2: Clinical success was found with 84% of teeth restored with cast post and core. 2% of these samples were excluded for noncompliance, 9% showed root fracture, 2% dislodgment of crown and 3% endodontic failure. Statistical evaluation showed significant differences between Groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.001). The results of this retrospective study indicated that the Composipost system was superior to the conventional cast post and core system after 4 yrs of clinical service.