Fracture resistance of teeth with oval canal morphology restored using oval and circular posts.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of different post morphologies and placement lengths on the fracture resistance of teeth with oval canal morphology that had been restored with crowns. Extracted mandibular premolars with similar dimensions were decoronated. After the root canal treatment, the teeth were mounted on acrylic blocks. Samples were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 each). In groups C-10 and C-5, 10-mm- and 5-mm-long circular post spaces were created. In groups O-10 and O-5, 10-mm- and 5-mm-long oval post spaces were ultrasonically created. After post cementation, all specimens were restored with composite cores and prepared at height of 6 mm. Thereafter, all teeth were restored with crowns. After thermocycling, all specimens underwent fracture resistance testing. Oval posts and placement at 10-mm depth showed higher fracture resistance than circular posts and placement at 5-mm depth (P < 0.001). Increased post length and use of oval posts enhanced the fracture strength of teeth with oval canal morphology. Based on the results of this study, although the fracture resistance of teeth restored with crowns was enhanced by deep fiber post placement, the use of oval fiber post is recommended in cases where deep placement is impossible. (J Oral Sci 58, 339-345, 2016).