Fracture behavior of human mandibular incisors following endodontic treatment and porcelain veneer restoration

PURPOSE: Because of existing controversy, the present study investigated the individual and combined effects of endodontic treatment and porcelain veneer restoration on the fracture behavior of human mandibular incisors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty extracted intact human mandibular incisors were assigned to four groups of ten with a similar range of labiolingual widths at the cementoenamel junctions. Group A consisted of intact teeth; group B consisted of endodontically treated teeth; group C teeth were restored with labial porcelain veneers; and those of group D were endodontically treated and had labial porcelain veneers. All teeth were subjected to a slow continuous loading test at 30 degrees to the long axis of the teeth and 1 mm below the incisal edge on the labial side. RESULTS: Fracture forces were 415 +/- 220 N, 370 +/- 89 N, 420 +/- 128 N, and 448 +/- 156 N for groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. Root fracture was the most common mode of failure. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of fracture forces and modes of failure. CONCLUSION: Human mandibular incisors with endodontic treatment and/or porcelain veneer restorations were able to withstand the same magnitude of oblique loading as intact teeth. Endodontic treatment and/or porcelain veneer restoration did not affect the mode of failure of mandibular incisors.