Abstract
Statement of problem
Although the scientific literature provides sound decision-making tools for the restoration
of endodontically treated teeth, dentists have different opinions on the rationale
for the use of endodontic posts (dowels) and selection of post systems. The decision
to place a post is at times contrary to the literature. Updated information on the
treatment of endodontically treated teeth among general dentists is lacking.
Purpose
The purpose of this survey was to gain insight into the rationale for choice of endodontic
posts and the different endodontic post systems currently used by dental practitioners.
Post and core restorations distribute stress and replace missing tooth structure in
endodontically treated teeth. Guidelines exist to help select post systems. With the
advent of new materials, prefabricated posts have gained popularity among dentists.
However, cast-metal post-and-core systems are still considered the gold standard.
Material and methods
Surveys were distributed to dentists attending continuing education meetings in the
United States, Canada, Scotland, Ireland, and Greece. The questions addressed years
of practice, specialty training, and brand, type, shape, and material of the endodontic
post systems used.
Results
Descriptive statistical analysis was used to assess the percentage of respondents.
Ninety-two percent of the participants were general practitioners with 25.94 ±13.35
years of experience. The majority agreed upon using endodontic posts when insufficient
coronal tooth structure remains and for stress distribution. Passive, parallel posts
were the most commonly reported type and shape. With regard to post material, fiber
posts were the most frequently used (72.2%), followed by prefabricated alloys (38.6%),
cast-metal posts (33.9%), prefabricated titanium posts (30.1%), and stainless-steel
posts (21.7%). For cementation, resin-modified glass ionomer (40%) was most frequently
used, followed by self-adhesive resin (29.6%).
Conclusions
The majority of the practitioners used fiber posts. This may be because, in terms
of fracture, they compare favorably with cast-metal post and core, although little
evidence in the literature validates this claim.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 27, 2016
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 by the Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.
