Resistance to torsional forces of various post and core designs.

This in vitro study investigated the resistance of various post and core designs to torsional forces. Cast gold, parallel-sided, serrated post and cores were cemented in extracted teeth. The test groups were made up of the following designs: controls without an antirotational feature, keyway form, coronal flare form, auxiliary pin form, a cervical collar form, and included a tapered post group. The specimens were mounted on an Instron Universal testing machine and a torsional force was applied to the core using a lever arm until failure. All the antirotational features tested elevated resistance to torque. Failure occurred through fracture of the tooth, the cement, or an optional auxiliary pin. The cervical collar was the most favorable design, embracing resistance and reducing tooth fractures.