Clinical behavior of translucent-fiber posts: a 2-year prospective study

PURPOSE: This study prospectively evaluated the clinical performance of three types of translucent posts over a follow-up period of between 2 and 3 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Selected were 225 patients with one premolar in need of endodontic treatment, followed by restoration with a fiber post and porcelain crown. The sample was randomly divided into three groups of 75 patients each. The same type of post was used in all patients within a group: group 1 = Aesthetic Plus; group 2 = DT; and group 3 = FRC Postec. For bonding the post, a light-curing adhesive (One-Step) and a dual-curing resin cement (Duo-Link) were applied in group 1 and 2 roots, whereas self-curing materials (Excite DSC as adhesive and MultiLink as resin cement) were used in group 3. After 6, 12, and 24 months, patients were recalled, and a clinical and radiographic examination was performed. For some patients, 30-month follow-up data were also collected. RESULTS: Debonding of the post occurrred in eight cases (3.5%); in another six cases, a recurrence of the periapical lesion was reported. CONCLUSION: The statistical analysis did not reveal any significant difference in the survival rate of the tested posts, suggesting that all are equally and sufficiently reliable for clinical use.