Effects of Different Fiber-Reinforced Solutions on Fracture Strength and Pattern in Endodontically Treated Molars

Purpose: To evaluate the fracture strength of endodontically treated molars filled with different composite resins with vs without fiber reinforcement. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 intact mandibular molars were selected and endodontically treated. A standardized mesio-occlusal-distal cavity was prepared with cervical margins 1 mm above the cementoenamel junction and oral and buccal walls with 1.5-mm thickness. Universal adhesive was used in all specimens in etch-and-rinse mode. Specimens were divided into four groups (n = 15 each) according to restoration technique: group CSM = adhesive overlay with hybrid ceramic; group EXP = direct restoration with short fiber-reinforced composite; group ESU = direct restoration with nanohybrid composite; and group EST = direct restoration with nanohybrid composite reinforced with horizontal bidirectional glass fibers placed over the pulpal chamber floor. After 7 days of storage in water, samples were loaded until fracture using a universal testing machine. The maximum breaking loads were recorded in Newtons, and statistical analysis was then conducted with two-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test. Fragments were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Results: Mean fracture resistance values were: CSM = 1,428.91 +/- 316.90 N; EXP = 1,874.57 +/- 299.47 N; ESU = 1,557.44 +/- 355.65 N; and EST = 1,870.27 +/- 145.11 N. The CSM and EXP groups showed the highest strength values when compared to the other groups. The variable fiber insertion did not significantly alter the fracture resistance. The origin of the fracture was always located on the occlusal surface, mainly in the major contact loading area. Conclusion: The use of fiber- reinforced composite showed great improvement in fracture resistance, similar to a cuspal coverage restoration. However, only short fiber-reinforced composites showed a favorable fracture pattern.