Restoring of endodontically treated tooth. Concepts and techniques

Fouad K. Wahab, BDS, MScD, PhD
Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jordan,Amman, Jordan, e mail : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The purpose of this article was to provide the clinical guidelines in restoring endodontically-treated teeth (ETT). A comprehensive review of a considerable number of in vitro and in vivo studies that cover the technical and clinical aspects of these procedures was done. Topics covered included: the resulting brittleness of endodontically-treated teeth, the reinforcement of tooth structure by using a post system, the significance of remaining coronal tooth structure, coronal microleakage, indications of posts, post design, types of posts, post diameter, post length, surface roughness of posts, venting, canal preparation, luting agents, cementation methods, and general treatment guidelines. The review showed that posts do not reinforce a pulpless tooth and therefore the conservation of tooth structure and the incorporation of "ferrule effect" are vital to enhance the prognosis of ETT. The strength of core materials and the length of the post directly affect the clinical success of posts. Custom cast posts are potentially more conservative in anterior teeth whilst prefabricated posts are more conservative in molars. Premolars may be restored with either technique. Threaded posts that engage dentine are dangerous and generally not recommended. Various cements produce acceptable results provided the post and core are well executed.

Saudi Dental Journal 2004;(2):61-69.