Fabrication of direct fiber-reinforced posts: a structural design concept.

UNLABELLED: As the clinician continues the quest for optimal functional and esthetic success of a tooth-restorative complex, the current selection of restorative materials and techniques may prove overwhelming. Although no single system provides the ideal restorative solution for every clinical circumstance, understanding of general design criteria and the components for the various post and core systems available allow the clinician to appropriately select the method and materials compatible with the existing tooth structure and desired result. This article provides a discussion of the various post and core systems, the methods and materials inherent in these systems, and general design principles. Using that basic information and clinical experience, the authors offer an alternative procedure for the rehabilitation of the intraradicular anatomy of the post-endodontic channel with a direct composite resin--the fiber-reinforced post and core system. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Using improved restorative materials that stimulate the physical properties and other characteristics of natural teeth in combination with the proper design principles, the clinician can develop a tooth-restorative complex with optimal functional and esthetic results.