Fiber-reinforced dental materials in the restoration of root-canal treated teeth

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced composites (FRC) are a group of lightweight metal-free dental materials characterized by their anisotropic nature. They are relatively low-cost, tooth-colored materials that are compatible with the use of adhesive and direct restorative techniques. Contemporary dental FRCs are predominantly based on glass fi bers and dimethacrylate resins. For optimal clinical performance, it is crucial that the properties and behavior of these composite materials are well understood. In an FRC, the fi bers provide strength and stiffness, while the matrix polymer binds the fi bers together, forming a continuous phase around the reinforcement. For optimal mechanical properties, the fi bers must be well adhered to and well impregnated by the matrix polymer. Other factors infl uencing the mechanical, optical, and bonding properties of FRCs include the type of fi ber and matrix polymer, quantity, positioning, and orientation of fi bers. Contemporary dental FRCs can be based on either unidirectional or multidirectional long continuous fi bers or short discontinuous fi bers. FRCs offer several benefi ts in restoring root-canal treated (RCT) teeth. Elastic modulus close to that of natural dentin, high tensile strength, and the suitability for cost-effective chairside techniques make fi ber-reinforced composites well suited in the restoration of structurally compromised RCT teeth.