Effect of different restorative approaches and broken instrument removal techniques on the fracture resistance of root canal-treated teeth: an in vitro study


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Avucalmaz Bastug B., BOZKURT D. A.

Odontology, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s10266-026-01338-y
  • Dergi Adı: Odontology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, MEDLINE
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Dental restoration, Endocrown, Endodontics, Fracture resistance, Ultrasonic
  • Bursa Uludağ Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of three different restorations—a prefabricated glass-fiber post and zirconia crown (PGF/Zc), a polyethylene woven-fiber post and zirconia crown (PWF/Zc), or a zirconia endocrown (ZE)—on the fracture resistance of teeth after broken file removal using either an ultrasonic or a micro-retrieve and repair (MR&R) system. Ninety mandibular premolar root canals were instrumented. Endodontic rotary files were intentionally fractured in the middle third of 80 teeth. Ten teeth served as a positive-control group. The broken fragments were removed from the 80 teeth and divided into two main groups: ultrasonic and MR&R. The removal times and the amount of dentin loss were measured. Following removal and single-cone obturation, the teeth were divided into four subgroups (n = 10 per group): PGF/Zc, PWF/Zc, ZE, and a negative control. All zirconia restorations were cemented with a dual-curing cement. Fracture resistance was measured using a universal testing machine with force applied at a 45° angle. Statistical analysis used the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test with (α = 5%). No significant differences were observed between the two removal methods for file removal time or weight loss (p > 0.05). The fracture resistance was numerically higher in the ultrasonic group; however, this difference was not statistically significant compared to the MR&R group (p = 0.317). Among the restored groups, ZE restorations consistently provided higher fracture resistance than PGF/Zc or PWF/Zc restorations (p = 0.035). Notably, PGF/Zc exhibited the lowest resistance in MR&R-treated samples. The zirconia endocrown (ZE) was the structurally superior restorative choice across all groups following fractured instrument removal.