Customization of posts using recent polymer based CAD/CAM materials

Abstract

The widespread of CAD/CAM (Computer aided design/Computer aided manufacturing) technology and its applications in the dentistry field has brought innovations in endodontically teeth treatment solutions. Custom-made posts with new materials and fabrication techniques were introduced in this study to optimize the fit in the canal and improve prognosis. Twenty one freshly extracted single canal lower second premolars were used.The teeth were endodontically treated using pro-taper system. The teeth were divided into three groups according to the post material used.The groups were assigned to; Group A (GM): received milled polyetheretherketone posts,group B (GV): received milled PICN (Vita Enamic), Group C (GC): received customized fiber posts. Decapitation of samples was done 2 mm above the level of CEJ and drilling was done using (ITENA) drills. Canals were scanned using intra-oral scanner and then milled from PEEK and PICN blocks. Impressions and duplications for fiber posts and cores were carried out. All post and core systems were cemented according to the manufacturer instructions. After thermo-cycling for all samples, fracture resistance testing was done using Universal testing machine. There was a significant difference between different groups (p<0.001). PEEK milled group showed the highest mean value (1055.25±119.31) followed by Vita Enamic group (844.14±47.20) while customized fiber post group (625.85±69.69) showed the lowest mean value. With the widespread of in-office CAD/CAM systems, milled PEEK may represent viable alternative for dental post materials according to the tested parameters. All post systems showed mostly favourable stress distribution pattern along the root dentin-post interface.