Durability of fiber-post and resin core build-up systems.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the durability of unidirectional and bidirectional fiber-reinforced post systems under static and cyclic loading. Three prefabricated fiber posts with one of two core composite resins each or a post resin were used. Each specimen was subjected to a three-point bending test after cyclic loading (1000 times) by 0.1, 0.2 or 0.3 mm deflection. Under cyclic loading, flexure strength and elastic modulus tended to show a decrease with increase in deflection in the unidirectional fiber post specimens. No such tendency, however, was observed in the bidirectional fiber post specimen. In conclusion, use of a prefabricated fiber post in a post-and-core complex improved the flexural properties of the core composite resin, regardless of fiber direction. Although deterioration in flexural properties was observed with cyclic loading in the unidirectional fiber post specimens, no significant difference was observed in the bidirectional fiber post specimen.