An indirect technique to fabricate a fibre-reinforced custom post and core restoration

The introduction of carbon or glass fibre post systems may provide an alternative to metal posts for their biomimetic behaviour and favourable aesthetics when all-ceramic crowns are to be placed. However, prefabricated posts with direct cores made of glass ionomer or composite resin are less reliable than one-piece cast post and core, primarily because of delamination at the interface between the post and the core and compromised retention, especially in cases of wide, non-circular, or extremely tapered canals. A new indirect technique for the fabrication of a custom-fabricated post and core restoration made of laboratory composite resin material reinforced with fibres is presented.

Endodontically treated teeth often require post and core restorations for retention purposes because of extensive loss of tooth structure due to caries or fracture. The cast gold post and core has been considered the gold standard because of its excellent success rate, favourable long-term prognosis and good adaptation. Unfortunately, several disadvantages are associated with metal post and core restorations, such as root fractures and a compromised aesthetic result when placed under all-ceramic crowns.1^,2