In vitro fracture resistance and deflection of pulpless teeth restored with fiber posts and prepared for veneers

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of endodontic therapy, veneer preparation, and their association on fracture resistance and deflection of pulpless anterior teeth and assess whether restoration with quartz fiber-reinforced post can influence these properties. Seventy-five freshly extracted human maxillary central incisors were selected. Teeth were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups (veneer preparation/endodontic therapy/endodontic therapy and veneer preparation/endodontic therapy, veneer preparation, and fiber post placement) and a control group (n = 15). Specimens were loaded to fracture recording crown deflection under load, and data were statistically analyzed. Veneer preparations and endodontic treatment did not significantly influence fracture resistance of maxillary incisors. On the contrary, preparation for veneer significantly increased the deflection values of the specimens. Fiber post restorations seemed to significantly increase mean maximum load values for specimens prepared for veneers. A fiber-reinforced post restoration can be suggested when endodontic treatment is associated with veneer preparation.