An in vitro study and 3D finite element analysis

Endodontically treated teeth are known to have reduced structural strength. Periodontal ligament (PDL) may influence fracture resistance. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of including the PDL in biomechanical studies about endodontically treated and restored teeth. Forty human maxillary central incisors were treated endodontically and randomly divided into four groups: non-­crowned (with and without an artificial ligament) and crowned (with and without an artificial ligament) with glass-­ceramic crowns. All groups received prefabricated glass fiber posts and a composite resin core. Specimens were tested, under a flexural-­compressive load, until failure occurred. The failure mode was registered for all specimens. The failure loads were recorded and analyzed using an ANOVA test (P␣<0␣.05). These results were compared with those predicted by a finite element model. The ANOVA did not show significant differences between the use of crown on the failure load (P=0␣. ) and the use of PDL (P=0.185). A cohesive mode in crown appeared in crowned teeth and in core in non-­crowned group. For non-­crowned teeth, and adhesive failure occurred along the cement-­enamel junction with a slight tendency in specimens without PDL. Furthermore, an unfavorable failure mode affecting partially the root with no differences regarding to non-­ crown specimens. In crowned teeth, the tendency was an adhesive failure along the cement-­ enamel junction. The model predicted a distribution of the safety factor consistent with these results. The present study showed that inclusion of PDL is not particularly important on biomechanical behaviour of post-­retained restorations. However, we recommend its inclusion in fatigue studies.The authors thank the University Jaume I for its financial support throughout the project P1·1B2012-­1

Composite resins : A review of the materials and clinical indications

The aim of this work is to present the different components of the composites currently used in dentistry and furnish dentists with a basis that can provide criteria for choosing one or another to suit their therapeutic requirements. Most composites used in dentistry are hybrid materials, so-called because they are composed of polymer groups reinforced by an inorganic phase of glass fillers with different compositions, particle sizes and fill percentages. Flowable or condensable composites have attempted to provide an answer to certain functional requirements, although they have not been too successful at improving properties. Turning to polymerisation initiators, both halogen lamps, whether conventional or high intensity, and LED curing lights which provide a gradual increase in light intensity are very useful for reducing shrinkage of the composite material. The clinical choice of a composite must consider whether priority should be given to mechanical or aesthetic requirements: if mechanical considerations are paramount the material with the greatest volume of filler will be chosen; if aesthetic considerations predominate, particle size will be the most important factor. Additional components such as opaques and tints make it possible to improve the aesthetic results. Equally, the spread of other therapeutic procedures, such as tooth bleaching, has made it necessary to design composite materials in shades that are suitable for the special colour situations found in teeth treated by these methods

Experimental strength of restorations with fibre posts at different stages, with and without using a simulated ligament

The aim of this study was to analyse the strength and failure mode of teeth restored with fibre posts under retention and flexural-compressive loads at different stages of the restoration and to analyse whether including a simulated ligament in the experimental setup has any effect on the strength or the failure mode. Thirty human maxillary central incisors were distributed in three different groups to be restored with simulation of different restoration stages (1: only post, 2: post and core, 3: post-core and crown), using Rebilda fibre posts. The specimens were inserted in resin blocks and loaded by means of a universal testing machine until failure under tension (stage 1) and 50º flexion (stages 2–3). Half the specimens in each group were restored using a simulated ligament between root dentine and resin block and the other half did not use this element. Failure in stage 1 always occurred at the post-dentine interface, with a mean failure load of 191·2 N. Failure in stage 2 was located mainly in the core or coronal dentine (mean failure load of 505·9 N). Failure in stage 3 was observed in the coronal dentine (mean failure load 397·4 N). Failure loads registered were greater than expected masticatory loads. Fracture modes were mostly reparable, thus indicating that this post is clinically valid at the different stages of restoration studied. The inclusion of the simulated ligament in the experimental system did not show a statistically significant effect on the failure load or the failure mode

Premolars restored with posts of different materials: fatigue analysis

Previous works studied the effect of the material and the dimensions of the post on the biomechanical performance (fracture strength and stress distribution) of restored teeth, under static loads. The aim of this work was to study the effect of the post material (glass fibre and stainless steel) on restored teeth, which have the final crown, under dynamic conditions. The use of a biomechanical model, including a fatigue analysis from FEA, is presented as a powerful method to study the effect of the material of the intraradicular post. The inclusion of the fatigue analysis allows for a more realistic study that takes into account the dynamic nature of masticatory forces. At the same time, the results obtained are easier to interpret by both dentists and mechanical engineers. No differences were found, with the load and number of cycles considered, between glass fibre and stainless steel as material for the intraradicular post used in premolars restorations