Analysis of dentinal stress distribution of maxillary central incisors subjected to various post-and-core applications.

This study evaluated the stress distribution on an endodontically treated maxillary central incisor restored with different post-and-core systems by using a three-dimensional finite element analysis model. Seven three-dimensional finite element models were created. Each model contained cortical bone, cancelous bone, periodontal ligament, 3 mm apical root canal filling, post-and-core and all-ceramic crowns. Two different pre-fabricated zirconia ceramic post systems, a glass fiber-reinforced post system and a titanium post system were modeled. As a control, an all-ceramic crown on an endodontically treated maxillary central incisor without a post-and-core was modeled. Each model received a 45 degrees oblique occlusal load at a constant intensity of 100 N. In each model, the ratio of Von Mises stress distribution was compared. The greatest stresses were observed in the coronal third of the roots on facial surfaces. The ratio of Von Mises stress distribution in dentin for the zirconia ceramic post (CosmoPost) and ceramic core (Cosmo Ingot), zirconia ceramic post (CosmoPost) and composite core (Tetric Ceram), glass fiber-reinforced post (FRC Postec) and composite core (Tetric Ceram), titanium post (Er post) and composite core (Tetric Ceram), zirconia ceramic post (Cerapost) and ceramic core (Cosmo Ingot), zirconia ceramic post (Cerapost) and composite core (Tetric Ceram) and the control group were 0.886, 0.889, 0.988, 0.924, 0.889, 0.893 and 1, respectively. The stress concentrations in dentin created by two different zirconia ceramic post systems were nearly the same. The zirconia ceramic post systems created slightly less stress concentration in dentin than the glass fiber-reinforced and titanium posts.