A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Fatigue Resistance of Dissected Lower First Molars Restored with Direct Fiber-Reinforced Bridges—An In Vitro Pilot Study




AuthorsSzabó Veronika T., Szabó Balázs, Barcsayné-Tátrai Noémi, Mészáros Csongor, Braunitzer Gábor, Szabó Balázs P., Lassila Lippo, Garoushi Sufyan, Fráter Márk

Publication year2023

JournalPolymers

Article number1343

Volume15

Issue6

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.3390/polym15061343

Web address https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15061343

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/178820605


Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the mechanical impact of utilizing different fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) systems to reinforce inlay-retained bridges in dissected lower molars with different levels of periodontal support. A total of 24 lower first molars and 24 lower second premolars were included in this study. The distal canal of all molars received endodontic treatment. After root canal treatment, the teeth were dissected, and only the distal halves were kept. Standardized class II occluso-distal (OD) (premolars) and mesio-occlusal (MO) (dissected molars) cavities were prepared in all teeth, and premolar–molar units were created. The units were randomly distributed among four groups (n = six/group). With the aid of a transparent silicone index, direct inlay-retained composite bridges were fabricated. In Groups 1 and 2, both discontinuous (everX Flow) and continuous (everStick C&B) fibers were used for reinforcement, while in Groups 3 and 4, only discontinuous fibers (everX Flow) were used. The restored units were embedded in methacrylate resin, simulating either physiological periodontal conditions or furcation involvement. Subsequently, all units underwent fatigue survival testing in a cyclic loading machine until fracture, or a total of 40,000 cycles. Kaplan–Meyer survival analyses were conducted, followed by pairwise log-rank post hoc comparisons. Fracture patterns were evaluated visually and with scanning electron microscopy. In terms of survival, Group 2 performed significantly better than Groups 3 and 4 (p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the other groups. In the case of impaired periodontal support, a combination of both continuous and discontinuous short FRC systems increased the fatigue resistance of direct inlay-retained composite bridges compared to bridges that only contained short fibers. Such a difference was not found in the case of sound periodontal support between the two different bridges.


Downloadable publication

This is an electronic reprint of the original article.
This reprint may differ from the original in pagination and typographic detail. Please cite the original version.





Last updated on 2025-27-03 at 21:46