Comparitive Post Endodontic Fracture Resistance of Mandibular First Molars Restored with Vertical and Horizontal Post Designs: A Invitro study

AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aims to comparatively analyse the fracture resistance of mandibular first molars reinforced with vertical, horizontal diagonal post designs and core preparations after obturation. METHODS: Forty eight mandibular first molar teeth were selected, standardized, divided into groups (GP) (I-VI). based on the type of post design used. GP I (Natural teeth)), GP II (no posts) GP III (Vertical post – metal), GP IV (Horizontal diagonal post design–Fibre post), GP V (Horizontal diagonal post design–Titanium post) and GP VI (Horizontal diagonal post design–Stainless steel post). RESULTS: Buccolingual type of fracture was the most common among the experimental groups with a percentage of incidence of 29.16%. [Table 2,3 chart I] The cuspal type of fracture was the next commonest with a percentage of incidence of 20.83%. The incidence of communited, mesiodistal, proximal, oblique and transverse type of fracture was not common and had a percentage of incidence of 16.67%, 14.58%, 8.33%, 8.33% and 0% respectively [Table 2 chart I]. [Table 3 chart II]. There was a statistically significant difference between Gp I and Gp (II-IVI) in load values of root fracture (p < 0.05) [chart III Table 8]. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations and standardization protocols used in this study, it can be concluded that Group IV had a higher fracture resistance when compared to other experimental groups though not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Further evaluation of these diagonal horizontal post designs and assessment in a clinical setting is recommended. Structural and material improvements to these posts as well as optimised placements would go long way to conservatively manage post endodontic treatment