Objectives: Literature has widely demonstrated that root canal treatment weakens the tooth structure, both for chemical and architectural reasons, especially in presence of MOD cavities. Aim of the study was to evaluate, by means of a non-destructive technique, to which extent the tooth is weakened and the contribution of restorative materials in recovering the tooth original stiffness. Material and Methods: Twenty non-carious maxillary premolars were tested. Teeth were placed in a taylor-made loading cell, where a mechanically controlled loading device applied sequentially known values of axial load (range 98-294 N) on the occlusal surface. Laser sensors registered the amount of deflection. The same teeth were tested in condition of integrity and after endodontic/restorative treatment (MOD cavity). Teeth were split into 4 groups and restored respectively with: A) Dispersalloy (Dentsply); B) Venus (Heraeus-Kulzer); C) TetricEvoCeram (Ivoclar-Vivadent); D) Esthet-X Improved (Dentsply). Results: The results obtained were analyzed as function of cuspal deflection and average stiffness (i.e. the mean load value needed to cause a 1 _m cuspal displacement). ANOVA test for repeated measures was performed. Mean structural recovery (assuming as 100% the stiffness of the sound tooth) was calculated: Group A 17%, group B 94%, group C 80% and group D 53%. Conclusions: Our research highlighted that direct composite restorations with adhesive techniques and materials afford adequate functional (and aesthetic) recovery in endodontically treated premolars, even in large cavities. The results of this in vitro research should be confirmed in vivo, monitoring the materials behaviour on a long-term basis in the oral environment.

Back to the Dental Materials: VIII - Others-Non-metallic Program
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