Long-term survival of adhesively post-endodontically restored teeth.

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this prospective clinical study was to investigate survival for endodontically treated teethrestored with adhesively luted prefabricated rather dentin-like or rigid posts.

METHODS

Data were recorded for glass-fiber posts (GFP II) and compared to historical controls evaluating glass-fiber (GFP I) and titanium posts (TP) for 128 patients. Three groups were defined based on type of post system used: #1 GFP I (n=41), #2 GFP II (n=41) and #3 TP (n=46). Posts were adhesively luted with self-adhesive resin, adhesive composite-core build-ups were performed and all teeth were restored with full-coverage restorations. Primary endpoint was restoration survival at recall. Clinical and radiographic outcome was assessed after 6, 12, 24 and up to 178 months. Data were analysed by Kaplan-Meier log-rank test and Cox-regression analysis.

RESULTS

After up to 178 months of observation 26 restorations failed (GFP I: 10, GFP II: 9, TP: 7) and 49 (GFP I: 18, GFP II: 12, TP: 19) were in situ. Cumulative survival probabilities were 57.1% for GFP I, 56.5% for GFP II and 71.8% for TP. In bivariate Cox regression the factors 'tooth type' and 'grade of abrasion' were significantly associated with failure. In multivariate Cox regression, none of the investigated factors were significantly associated with failure. The post system had no significant impact on tooth survival (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Comparing glass-fiber and titanium posts the post system had no impact on tooth survival after up to 15 years. This study indicates that effect size of post material on survival is low.