Comparative evaluation of fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with bulk fill, packable and fiber reinforced composites

Aim: To evaluate if the fracture resistance of endodontically treated mandibular molars can be improved with newer techniques and restoration than that of crown. Materials and Methods: 55 Two rooted mandibular first molar were randomly divided into 5 groups. Group A (N=11) was left intact. Endodontic treatment was done in remaining 5 groups. In Group B (N=11) entrance filling was done with packable composite followed by tooth preparation and PFM crown placement. In Group C (N=11) entrance filling was done with GC everX Posterior Fiber Reinforced composite after Nayyar Core Technique. In Group D (N=11) entrance filling was done with GC everX Posterior Fiber Reinforced composite. In Group E (N=11) entrance filling was done with Packable Composite. The specimens in all five groups were subjected to fracture resistance using Universal Testing machine. Results: The maximum Fracture resistance was observed in Group B and minimal fracture resistance was observed in Group E. A highly significant difference was evident on comparing the mean values of fracture resistance of different group (p<0.01). Inter group comparison within the different groups also revealed highly significant difference (p<0.01). Conclusion: PFM crowns had the highest fracture resistance. Though literature claims that Short Fiber reinforced composites have increased fracture resistance, they could not match the fracture resistance of a crown. Nayyar core technique provided increased fracture resistance as a direct restoration.