Clinical outcome of fiber post and fiber-reinforced resin composite for the full crowns of anterior endodontically treated teeth: a 5-year randomized clinical trial

Aim: To compare the outcome of short fiber reinforced composites, as a core material, with respect to conventional fiber post, for the reconstruction of anterior endodontically treated teeth (ETT), covered by a lithium disilicate crown. Materials and methods: Patients in need of endodontic treatment and a single-unit full crown restoration for anterior teeth (incisors or canines) were recruited. Only teeth with >50% of residual tooth structure were included. The teeth were required to be in occlusal function with a natural antagonist tooth and in interproximal contact with two adjacent natural teeth. A simple randomized design with 2 arms was adopted to evenly allocate patients to the two experimental groups. The fluctuation of oral behaviors was assessed via the Oral Behavior Checklist. For the assessment of the prosthodontic outcome, the modified US Public Health Service criteria were used. Statistical analysis was set at p<0.05. Results: The statistical analysis showed no significant association between the type of build-up material, the high risk for oral behaviors (p = 0.197), and the prosthodontic failures (p = 0.471). Conclusion: This randomized clinical trial shows no significant difference in the outcome of anterior ETT with >50% of residual tooth structure restored with fiber post or fiber-reinforced composite, covered by a lithium disilicate crown, at 5 years of follow-up. Clinical significance: Short fiber-reinforced composites represent a valid alternative material to fiber post, for the build-up of anterior endodontically treated teeth, with at least 50% of residual tooth structure, covered by a lithium disilicate crown.