Fiber Post Techniques for Anatomical Root Variations

Written by Leendert (Len) Boksman, DDS, BSc, Alejandro Bertoldi Hepburn, DDS,0 Enrique Kogan, DDS, Manny Friedman, BDS, BChD, Waldemar de Rijk, PhD, DDS Monday, 09 May 2011 17:58 The purpose of this article is to identify and describe the newer materials and techniques deemed as viable alternatives to metallic post/cores, and to propose a rationale for the selection of one product or restorative technique protocol over others for simple and complex postendodontic restorations. These are indicated where remaining coronal tooth structure is less than 50% and/or the core strength is compromised by the endodontic access opening. BACKGROUND Custom cast posts were first described more than 100 years ago, and utilized the optimal impression techniques, casting, and cementation materials available at that time. In most of the world, cast posts (still taught in some dental schools) have been supplanted in clinical practice by prefabricated posts made either of metallic alloys or from fiberreinforced composite. In even a cursory review of the literature, the evidencebased support for a trend away from metal posts to fiber posts is abundant and conclusive: Fiber posts, regardless of brand, are anisotropic and have a modulus of elasticity similar to that of dentin (~20 GPa), which allows the post to flex slightly (microscopically) with the tooth and dissipate stress, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage to the root.14 Fiber posts are not susceptible to galvanic or corrosion activity; the latter of which is responsible for a high percentage of failures with cast posts5 which, in turn, fail twice as often (clinically) as do prefabricated metal posts.6 Fiber posts are available in translucent and toothcolored versions (the original black carbon posts are pass), which are aesthetically invisible under all ceramic crowns, veneers and resin restorations, and also mitigate the effects of the dark root syndrome (Figure 1).7,8

Figure 1. Typical gingival darkening created by metal post and core technique.

Figure 2. Cross section of a good quality post which is highly loaded with fibers with no voids.

Figure 3. Cross section of a poor quality post showing lower fiber loading with voids in the matrix.

Figure 4. Cross section of a fiber post with low-fiber and high-resin matrix content.

Fiber posts (excepting a South American post design that has a metal wire running through its long axis) are more easily and safely removed "by hollowing them out from the inside," should retreatment ever become necessary.912 In fact, cemented metal posts may further limit or complicate endodontic treatment options if these become necessary.13 While all brands of fiber posts appear to have these commonalities, they are not all the same; they can vary considerably from brand to brand in terms of composition and microstructure. The difference in the manufacturing process of the posts can significantly influence their mechanical properties,14,15 and thus their clinical performance. Furthermore, a connection can be found between the data obtained with SEM observations of fiber posts and their clinical behavior. SEM photographs (Figures 2 to 4), taken at the same (700x) magnification, show the variations in size of fiber, orientation, number of fibers, amount of composite, and the relative percentages which varies from fiber post to fiber post. In fact, posts that have more imperfections in the matrix will have a less compact and even structure, and thus are weaker and less resistant to load stress.14 Increases in the mechanical properties (fracture strength) appear directly proportional to the density of fibers and to their interface/bond to the matrix.16 In addition to influencing flexural strength, the fiber type, density, and uniformity of microstructure also affect the radiopacity and fatigue resistance. Figure 5 shows the relative radiopacity of various fiber posts side by side, and Figures 6 to 8 demonstrate the same variation in an extracted tooth that is prepared for a 1.5 mm tapered fiber post. It is obvious that the MacroLock Illusion XRO (CLINICIAN'S CHOICE) is the most radiopaque in this sampling of fiber posts (Figure 7).

Figure 5. Radiograph of Figure 6. Radiograph of various shapes, designs, tapers typical fiber post when of early radio-apparent fiber prepared for a 1.5 mm taper. posts.

Figure 7. The Macro-Lock Figure 8. Same tooth Illusion X-RO radiographed with a popular (CLINICIAN'S CHOICE) radio-apparent fiber post. shows excellent radiopacity at 1.5 mm post space preparation.

Figure 9. Scanning electron microscope photograph of intimate adaptation of fiber post, dual cure resin cement and root dentin.

Figure 10. Parallel-sided fiber post of 1.5 mm does not seat in same tooth without more apical removal of dentin structurally weakening the tooth.

Figure 11. A 1.5 mm parallel post with lateral serrations and core bulk again requires more apical dentin removal to seat to same length as the tapered Macro-Lock Illusion X-RO (compare to Figure 7).

Figure 12. A conservative nonflared canal is ideal for a conservative flared fiber post preparation.

Quartz fibers are among the most radiopaque fibers being used,17,18 and the quartz fiber posts have proven superior in fatigue resistance to glass fiber posts15 and to metal posts.19 Fatigue tests can be considered as the most relevant methodological standard for evaluating and predicting the behavior in an oral environment.18 The in vitro studies that more than any other permit the fair prediction of yielding and, therefore, the longterm behavior of the restoration, are the fatigue tests.20,21 Into the 1970s, it was hoped that metal posts could help reinforce weakened endodonticallytreated teeth. In the 1980s, Sorensen, et al20 surmised otherwise. Today there is a growing body of in vitro evidence that if properly placed, low modulus restorations (quartz fiber posts with bonded composite cores) with varying amounts of remaining tooth structure can, in fact, provide some restrengthening of weakened teeth restored with MOD restorations, veneers, or fullcoverage techniques.2226 Figure 9 shows a highpower SEM of the adaptation possible with an appropriately sized bonded fiber post creating a "monoblock." A ferrule of 2 mm has to be provided for the reconstruction of endodontically treated teeth by post and core techniques. (Studies show that increasing the length of a ferrule from 1 to 1.5 mm in a quartz fiber post does not significantly increase fracture loads, but an increase to 2 mm results in higher fracture thresholds.) Now the clinical observation of carbon2730 or glass and quartz fiber3134 post restorations offer admirable performances at 7 to 11 years' conclusion,35 and the difference in failure rates particularly catastrophic failure ratesbetween fiber posts and cast posts is no less compelling at

4 years' service.36 The placement of a single fiber post in a relatively "round" and minimally tapered conservative root canal has been described in many articles and is now appearing in textbooks. There is evidence that (unlike metal predecessors) there is no difference in the performance between tapered and parallel fiber posts.37,38 However, it is selfevident to an experienced clinician that parallel posts may often require the removal of additional dentin and the creation of acute internal angles ("stress magnets"). Therefore, the tapered apical/parallel body shape is preferable3941 if only for the sake of dentin conservation. Figures 10 and 11 show the same tooth as above, prepared for a tapered 1.5 mm fiber post. It is obvious from the radiographs that more tooth structure at the apical end of the canal would need to be sacrificed to allow the parallel 1.5 mm posts to seat to the same length, needlessly weakening the remaining root structure. So, then, what is the contemporary technology protocol, when faced with a flared, ovoid, or figure8 canal? Circular parallel post systems are only effective in the most apical portion of the post space, because the majority of prepared post spaces demonstrate considerable flare in the coronal half. Similarly, when the root canal is elliptical, a parallelsided post will not be effective unless the canal is considerably enlarged,42 thereby needlessly removing extra dentin. From a clinical perspective, when assessing posts that have failed, many are in fact cemented or bonded to areas in the canal still occupied by guttapercha. One of the causes for the lack of resultant retention is due to this oversight, which is a direct result of preparing a round canal space with a rotary instrument in a canal which is never round. There are 2 prefabricated posts available (in limited market areas) that are designed with a rounded, tapered apical extremity, and an oval coronal section (PeerlessPost [SybronEndo] and ELLIPSON [RTD]). The low modulus approach needs to be adaptable to the overflared canal, while addressing the inherent challenges, which include Cfactor stress and Sfactor stress,43 polymerization shrinkage and, presumably, microleakage. Most fiber posts on the market come in cylindrical sizes that mimic their metallic ancestors, so that the practitioner may use the drills already purchased. However, as previously discussed, a tapered preparation is the most noninvasive. Unlike fiber posts, as the diameter of metal posts increases, so does the stress transfer to the tooth,44 and so, logically, does the likelihood of root splits. There are some tapered quartz fiber posts that come in extra large sizes that range from 0.8 mm at the apical tip to 2.3 mm at the coronal extreme (DT LightPost [RTD, BISCO] and MacroLock Post [RTD]). These sizes exceed the diameters available in most brands, and are capable of fitting most root canal treatments without further instrumentation. The authors will now describe and suggest an approach and technique for the inevitable variations presented by prepared and filled root canals which fall into 3 proposed treatment categories. THE SIMPLE CANAL

Figure 13a. Clinical presentation of failed post and core crown on upper right central incisor.

Figure 13b. A small starter drill is used to initiate removal of the gutta-percha.

Figure 13c. The appropriate size tapered Macro-Lock drill is used to maximize size while minimizing dentin removal.

Figure 13d. The Macro-Lock Illusion X-RO post inserted and checked for fit. Notice the small space between the post and the walls of the post preparation. A diamond is then used to shorten the post to the desired length.

Figure 13e. An acid gel (Ultra- Figure 13f. After water rinsing Etch [Ultradent Products]) is from the bottom of the canal injected from the bottom of the up, and light drying, the canal post space up to the is checked for excess moisture cavosurface margin by using a with a paper point; the bonding 20- or 22-gauge needle to agent is placed in the canal and avoid air entrapment. lightly agitated to increase the bond strength to the dentin.

Figure 13g. After air-thinning Figure 13h. The bonding agent the bonding agent from the is applied to the post with a bottom up, the canal is checked microbrush. for excess bonding agent with a paper point, and the bonding agent is cured with a high output curing light for 20 seconds.

Figure 13i. After evaporating the solvent and air thinning, the bonding agent is lightcured.

Figure 13j. Using a lentulospiral to insert the dual cure resin cement will accelerate the set. It is best to inject using a 20- to 22-gauge needle (Endo-Eze [Ultradent Products]) from the bottom up to eliminate air entrapment.

Figure 13k. After insertion of the fiber post into the dualcured resin cement and placed to length, the cement is cured with light down the long axis

Figure 13l. After injecting and hand sculpting the core material around the remainder of the fiber post, the composite resin is light-cured.

of the fiber post for 30 seconds.

Figure 13m. The clinical preparation of the fiber post and core for full-coverage restoration is shown in this intraoral photograph.

Figure 13n. The final ceramic restorations (Zirconia [ZirconZahn]) on the 2 upper central incisors.

In a "simple" case, where the canal treatment results in the typical tapered conservative shape (less than 25% larger than the fiber post [Figure 12]), a single fiber post can be inserted and covered with a composite core build up in preparation for the prosthetic restoration. The clinical protocol for this type of case is as follows: All procedures inside the root canal should focus on the bottomup approach; the canal is prepared with the matching sized post drills and posts, and all remnants of guttapercha must be removed from the walls of the post space to facilitate bonding. The fiber post is generally shortened to the height of the core with a diamond bur before the bonding procedure is started, but it can also be cut with a diamond bur after the core is cured. If using a selfcuring resin cement, the post should always be cut to length first, so as not to vibrate the post while the cement may be setting. Fiber posts can be cut to length after the core is placed, but color changing posts are unique. A color changing post should be cut 1.5 mm short of the anticipated coronal extent of the core, and thus be buried in the core composite. This is done to prevent reappearance of the color under translucent ceramics due to exposure to intraoral temperature changes when the patient ingests cold beverages or food. The clinical presentation and treatment of a case that is typical for the simple canal is shown in Figures 13a to 13n. The tooth is isolated and guttapercha is removed with a small starter drill (Figure 13b), and the post space is created with the appropriate size taper drill (Figure 13c). Care should be taken to match the post, as close as possible, to the size of the existing canal space rather than over preparing the canal for a large post. At this time, all remnants of guttapercha should be removed and verified visually with magnification. (Some practitioners use chloroform to dissolve any remaining guttapercha in the post space area.) The fiber post (MacroLock Illusion XRO is tried in the canal (Figure 13d). Then, it is trimmed to length with a diamond bur to prevent chatter and possible damage to the post. To decontaminate the post after tryin and length adjustment, it is cleaned with alcohol prior to bonding. The canal is acid etched by placing the acid gel from the bottom up using a 20 or 22gauge needle tip (Figure 13e). This is done to keep an air lock from forming below the etchant, which would prevent etching of the entire canal space. It has been shown that agitating the acid with a microbrush during this 15second procedure increases bond strength. The canal is rinsed with water, again from the bottom up, using a 20 or 22gauge needle adapted to either a Stropko Irrigator (CLINICIAN'S CHOICE) or TriAway Adaptor (Ultradent Products), to

thoroughly wash and remove the acid gel out of the canal space. This cannot be achieved with a typical 3way syringe, which can leave some acid in the canal, interfering with the chemical setting reaction of a dual or selfcure cement. The canal is lightly dried using air from the bottom up and then double checked with a paper point. The adhesive bonding agent is placed with a microbrush and agitated into the opened tubules of the root canal (Figure 13f). Air is delivered from the bottom up and excess bonding agent and pooling is prevented by inserting a paper point to absorb any excess. The bonding agent is then lightcured with a highpower, broad spectrum LED curing light for at least 30 seconds (Figure 13g). It must be remembered that light intensity for some curing lights falls drastically with distance, so the cure must be adequate. There are only 3 possible solutions for this: (1) a dual (photo and chemical) activation adhesive, (2) conducting the light through the post and photoactivate it together with the resin cement, or (3) lightcuring adequately with a highpower light (such as the VALO [Ultradent Products]) in its plasma emulation mode, 3 seconds at over 3,000 mW/ cm2. The point here is that if lightcured adhesives are used, undercuring will lead to failure. Next, bonding agent is applied to the post (Figure 13h) and lightcured (Figure 13i). Then, after the dual cure resin cement is placed into the canal with Skini Syringe mated to an EndoEze tip (Ultradent) (Figure 13j), the post is inserted and the dual cure resin cement is lightcured for 30 seconds (Figure 13k). It is best to inject the dual cure resin cement from the bottom up rather than using the lentulo spiral. This prevents any possible air entrapment and prevents the acceleration of set caused by the lentulospiral drill. The core material is injected around the post, and then lightcured (Figure 13l). The final preparation of the core for the patient is shown in Figure 13m and the final Zirconia (ZirconZahn) (ceramic) restorations are shown in Figure 13n. There are many recommendations being made for the selection of cementation media and placement technique. Standard bonding tests would support the use of a fourthor fifthgeneration adhesive system (ie, AllBond 2 [BISCO] or OneStep [BISCO], SealBond Ultima [RTD], MPa [CLINICIAN'S CHOICE] respectively) in conjunction with dual cure or chemical cure resin cement, as being superior to selfetching or selfadhesive cement formulas.45 Clinical success with these also assumes proven chemical compatibility between the adhesive and the resin cement, and meticulous isolation, good access, vision, and technique. This is easy in the in vitro laboratory, but not always so easy in vivo. In cases where access and/or visibility and/or good moisture control are compromised, some post manufacturers and clinicians/researchers report good results using selfadhesive, selfetching cements4648 and resinreinforced glass ionomer cements,49 particularly when using macroretentive quartz fiber posts (MacroLock Illusion XRO). However, it should also be noted that some of the comparative in vitro bond strength studies (to dentin) show these newer generations of cements to be inferior to the "totaletch/moistbonding" dual cure cementation technique. Furthermore, a post inserted like this should also have high flexural strength (minimum 1,500 MPa) since it won't have the mechanical reinforcement that the adhesive cementation provides. Because larger, tapered, and even doubletapered fiber posts are now offered, and these are mechanically compatible with the remaining tooth structure, good close adaptation of the post to the post space can routinely be achieved, with a minimum of cement thickness,40,41 thus minimizing the Sfactor. It is the more flared spaces that are addressed now. THE ANATOMICAL POST AND CORE Polymerization shrinkage, and the stresses associated with that (the Cfactor and Sfactor), are a

big consideration in all bonding/restorative procedures, and nowhere is the Cfactor higher than it is in post cementation,43 because of the high number of involved surfaces and unbounded surfaces. Even though composite resin core materials generally have more filler and, therefore, higher strength than resin cements, the polymerization shrinkage stress is higher with 70% filler than that with 10% filler.50 This may seem counterintuitive to most dentists, but the objective is to utilize a technique that compensates for the inherent deficiencies of some materials and, in fact, actually capitalizes on them without becoming clinically cumbersome, time consuming, or with the integration of outside laboratory fees. In an earnest attempt to address these factors, Grande, et al51 and Plotino, et al52 have described chairside techniques for adapting prefabricated fiber posts to ribbonlike, oval, or ovoid canal spaces by remodeling; in essence, by whittling the post with a diamond bur to match an analog achieved through a separate procedure. The results suggest that the volume of cement is minimized, and the retentive surfaces of the post are not compromised. However, no information is offered regarding the effects that whittling a round (tapered or parallel) post brings to the other mechanical properties of the fiber post, such as structural integrity.

Figure 14. A typical cross section of a tooth with a mildly flared canal which results in some excess space around the proposed fiber post in the coronal area.

Figure 15a. In this type of canal, the tooth is isolated and prepared to a post size that will fit at the apical end without overly enlarging the prepared canal.

Figure 15b. The Macro-Lock Illusion X-RO post is verified for fitnotice how the canal flares and there is excess space at the coronal aspect.

Figure 15c. Using a brush, a water soluble separating medium is applied to the post space.

Figure 15d. A light-cured composite (such as Grandio [VOCO]) is adapted to the prebonded post.

Figure 15e. The post and hybrid composite are seated into the prepared post space creating a custom post.

Figure 15f. After light-curing, the custom fiber post and core is removedthis mitigates the S-factor by allowing the resin to shrink toward the post.

Figure 15g. The custom fiber post and core, the result of creating a core build-down into the canal.

Figure 15h. After a thorough rinsing of the prepared canal space and the custom fiber post and core, the core is reseated in the canal and the labial aspect marked with a pencil.

Figure 15i. The canal is etched Figure 15j. Labial view of and the etchant is agitated with Macro-Lock Illusion X-RO a post inserted into the cement. microbrush, rinsed from the bottom up, and a bonding agent is agitated into the dentin and light-cured.

Figure 15k. The post is seated into the canal with the pencil marking placed labially. The custom posts allow for a minimal thickness of luting cement thus, minimizing the Sfactor. Excess cement is removed before light polymerization.

Figure 15l. The margins of the tooth preparation are refreshed and etched prior to bonding the core.

Figure 15m. Bonding resin is placed on the dentin prior to hand sculpting the composite resin core, then the core build up is shaped/completed and light-cured.

Figure 15n. This photograph shows the hand-sculpted, custom-fabricated fiber post and core after hand sculpting and light-curing.

Figure 15o. The core is finalized with a coarse diamond bur to length and depth requirements for the ceramic crown.

Figure 15p. The final ceramic restoration e.maxPress (Ivoclar Vivadent) with feldspathic overlay over the custom fiber post and core is shown in this photograph.

In the mildly flared space (Figure 14), we can create a composite "core builddown" followed by the core buildup. In the flared canal with a coronal circumference 25% to 50% greater than that of the largest fiber post (by itself) available, the authors suggest the following protocol. In this clinical case, the canal has a moderate flare with the above criteria. The tooth is isolated, and the canal is prepared as previously with a size appropriate drill (Figure 15a). After the canal is thoroughly cleaned, the fiber post is inserted and the fit verified (Figure 15b). A water soluble separating medium is applied to the post space (Figure 15c), a lightcurable hybrid composite core material (such as Grandio [VOCO]) is adapted to the prebonded post (Figure 15d), which is then inserted into the root canal space (Figure 15e). The composite is lightcured through the lightconductive fiber post, and the post is removed from the canal (Figures 15f and 15g). When performing this technique, the clinician must look for undercuts before creating the "core builddown." It won't be possible to remove the post if cured in those undercuts, and the procedure will have to be repeated, possibly injuring the post. After verifying the position (Figure 15h) by marking the labial with a pencil for orientation, the canal is thoroughly rinsed and the build down is rinsed to remove the water soluble separating medium. As in the first clinical protocol, the canal is etched with a microbrush which is agitated in the canal (Figure 15i), rinsed from the bottom up, dried from the bottom up, and any excess water removed with a paper point. The lightcured bonding agent is applied and fully cured as in the previous protocol. The dual cure resin cement is placed in the canal, the core builddown is inserted (Figures 15j and 15k), and thoroughly lightcured. After cementation, the dentin is refreshed with a diamond, the surface etched (Figure 15l), rinsed and bonded (Figure 15m); then, the core material is adapted and lightcured. The resultant freehanded core is shown in Figure 15n, which is modified with a tapered coarse round ended diamond (Figure 15o), and the final ceramic crown (IPS e.max [Ivoclar Vivadent]) over the customfabricated fiber post and core is shown in Figure 15p.

Figure 16a. Photo of failed cast post and core with widely flared canalnote the thickness of the prior cement used.

Figure 16b. With the guttapercha and cement removed, no other dentin was removed, and the largest diameter fiber post that fit at the apex was the starting point.

Figure 16c. The existing canal Figure 16d. The bonding resin space was acid-etched with is thoroughly cured with a high phosphoric acid for 15 seconds output light-curing unit. and rinsed from the bottom up with a 20- to 22-gauge needle tip. The bonding resin was agitated into the dentin, airthinned from the bottom up, verified with a paper point.

Figure 16e. The dual-cured resin cement (Rebilda DC [VOCO]) is then injected from the bottom of the preparation to the coronal aspect.

Figure 16f. The "master" prebonded post is inserted to length into the dual cure resin cement.

Figure 16g. Prebonded Fibercones (RTD) are inserted prior to lightcuring to minimize the amount of dual cure resin and to strengthen the post.

Figure 16h. The core composite is injected between and around the Fibercones and central "master" fiber post and hand sculpted prior to lightcuring.

Figure 16i. The occlusal view of the "reinforced" fiber post and core with rubber dam still in place.

Figure 16j. The intraoral clinical view of the "reinforced" fiber post as prepared for the full coverage ceramic restoration.

This way, any shrinkage in the "builddown" is now in free space, not between the tooth and the restoration, neutralizing the Sfactor effect. And it assures that the cement thickness will be minimal and uniform.48 In most cases, the airinhibited layer on the builddown can remain intact. If in doubt, the excess cement and remaining tooth structure can be refreshed before the bonding agent and core buildup composite is applied. It is a directindirect technique, and has shown optimistic results.5355 THE POST WITH ACCESSORY POSTS Now, in the case where the coronal circumference has a wide flare of more than 50% greater than that of the largest fiber post available, or the practitioner is working with a ribbon, ovoid, or triangular canal, the suggested technique is as follows: As can be seen from Figure 16a, the existing canal in which a cast post and core failed, is over prepared and widely tapered at the coronal aspect. By following the previous methodology, the canal is prepared and the fit of the fiber post is assessed (Figure 16b). The large amount of resin cement will need to be minimized to decrease the shrinkage factor, and the cement and core material will need strengthening. The canal is etched, rinsed, and dried lightly; the compatible bonding agent is agitated into the canal (Figure 16c); and lightcured (Figure 16d). After direct injection of the dualcured resin cement (Figure 16e), the prebonded fiber post is inserted (Figure 16f), and prebonded Fibercones (RTD) are inserted (Figure 16g). Then, core composite is

injected between and around the Fibercones and central "master" fiber post and hand sculpted prior to lightcuring (Figure 16h). Lastly, the core build up is shaped, lightcured, and prepared to final shape with diamonds (Figures 16i and 16j). Figure 17a shows the typical triangular shape encountered when restoring anterior teeth. Figure 17b shows a MacroLock Illusion XRO with an accessory Fibercone placed in the lingual slot area. The final clinical photograph is shown in Figure 17c. This we will call the (direct) accessory post technique, in which the "master" fiber postsizeselected for its fit at the apical end of the spaceis accompanied by one or more slender, tapered accessory posts (eg, Fibercone). The clinician may draw an immediate parallel to their training with gutta percha cones. RTD translucent quartz fiber posts (DT LightPost and MacroLock Illusion XRO) have been shown to have limited but relatively superior transmission of the polymerization light energy5658 down into the postrestorative space, a property which is an important attribute and would necessarily disqualify the use of many other (less conductive) fiber posts for this technique.

Figure 17a. The typical triangular shape of anterior root canal space after endodontic preparation.

Figure 17b. This anatomic space is ideal for the placement of a Macro-Lock Illusion XRO fiber post complemented with an auxiliary Fibercone to decrease the amount of dual cure resin used and fortify the restoration.

Figure 17c. Postoperative photograph of the Fibercone and auxiliary Fibercone in the triangular shaped canal.

In addition, the flexural and compressive strength of the factorymade composite (99.9% crosslinked) are higher than a composite handcured by light energy at chairside. In comparison, the crosslinked networks during polymerization and degree of conversion for most direct resin materials ranges from 45% to 70%.59 Published studies demonstrate the other benefits of this Accessory Post technique: Minimizes shrinkage in flared canals and, therefore, gap formation60 Reduces the need for drilling in order to adapt posts to root cavity61 (minimizes dentin removal) Reduces the thickness of cement and increased fracture resistance.60 Fiber posts, associated with composite resin or with accessory fiber posts, seem to be more indicated as an alternative to cast post and core in flared roots, because of the lower risk of catastrophic failures and better stress distribution.62 It is possible to conclude that use of the fiber post, associated with accessory posts, is the method of choice for reinforcing structurally weakened roots, and provides an improvement in the load carrying ability of the restored root is validated, as opposed to the use of one single inadequately fitting post.63,64 SUMMARY In contemporary dental practice, there is no remaining reason to use metallic posts, custom or prefabricated. Many cases that several years ago would have required a retentive post will not require that post today, because of the many improvements in bonding agents and composite resin restoratives. However, in cases where less than 50% of coronal tooth structure remainsor in other cases wherein the judgment of the clinician a post is indicatedthere are now aesthetic, noncorrosive, fracture resistant and radiopaque alternatives for all varieties that save time and money without compromise. Their most compelling advantage, regardless of the geometry or amount of residual tooth structure, is the protection from root fracture that a low modulus restoration provides. In selecting the materials (posts, resins) for these techniques, the dentist is advised not to cut corners, and to seek the strongest and most radiopaque products available.

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Dr. Boksman is an adjunct clinical professor at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, and has a private practice in London, Ontario, Canada. He can be reached at [email protected] .

Disclosure: Dr. Boksman has a paid parttime consultancy position as the director of clinical affairs for Clinical Research Dental and CLINICIAN'S CHOICE. Dr. Hepburn works as adjunct professor at the operative dentistry department of the University of Buenos Aires Dental School (Buenos Aires, Argentina), and at the Oral Rehabilitation Postgrade Career in the University del Desarrollo Dental School (Concepcin, Chile). He has a private practice in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He can be reached at [email protected] . Disclosure: Dr. Hepburn is a consultant for VOCO GmbH (Germany). Dr. Kogan works as a professor of Restorative Dentistry Universidad Tecnolgica de Mexico, visiting professor Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Fla and has a private practice in Mexico City, Mexico. He can be reached at [email protected] . Disclosure: Dr. Kogan is the designer and patent owner of the PeerlessPost (SybronEndo). Dr. Friedman maintains a private practice limited to endodontics in London, Ontario, Canada, and is assistant adjunct professor in the division of restorative dentistry at the University of Western Ontario, London, Canada. He can be reached via email at [email protected] . Disclosure: Dr. Friedman reports no disclosures. Dr. de Rijkwas formerly in the department of restorative dentistry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Memphis, Tenn. He is currently an associate professor of restorative dentistry and chief of the biomaterials Unit at the School of Dental Medicine East Carolina University. He can be reached at (252) 737-7020 or at [email protected] . Disclosure: Dr. de Rijk reports no disclosures.