Assessment of Fracture Resistance of PEEK and Fibre Posts of the Endodontically Treated Teeth

Abstract

This in vitro study aimed to compare the fracture resistance between pressed custom-made polyetheretherketone (PEEK) post and core and fibre reinforced post and composite core. A total of 40 single rooted extracted teeth were selected, endodontically treated, and prepared to receive the posts. Specimens were randomly divided into two main groups (n=20/group): group 1, (PEEK); group 2, fibre post. PEEK post was manufactured with a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing system further divided into four sub groups (P7, P12, F7, F12) based on lengths 7 and 12 mm at which the posts were cemented. All posts were cemented with self-adhesive resin cement, and specimens were stored in 0.1% thymol solution during the experiment at all the times except during preparation and testing. A universal testing machine was used to measure the fracture resistance. The fracture resistance values (mean & SD, in newtons) were 1255N (P7), 1562N (P12), 1065N (F7), and 1384N (F12). Only P12 exhibited a significant difference (p,0.05). The turkey test showed an association between failure mode and post and- core material. In the remaining groups, most failures were nonrepairable and related to fracture. Customized post-and-cores of PEEK exhibited good mechanical performance. Their fracture resistance was comparable to that observed for fibre posts.