title: Randomized controlled clinical pilot trial of titanium vs. glass fiber prefabricated posts: preliminary results after up to 3 years.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This randomized parallel-group clinical pilot study aimed to compare the clinical outcome of prefabricated rigid titanium to glass fiber endodontic posts when luted with self-adhesive universal resin cement.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-eight patients in need of postendodontic restoration were assessed for eligibility. Ninety-one patients met the selection criteria and were randomized and allocated to 2 intervention groups. Forty-five participants were treated using a titanium post and 46 participants received a glass fiber post, each in combination with composite core buildups for postendodontic restoration. All posts had a diameter of 1.4 mm and a length of 13 mm and were cemented 8 mm within the root canal with self-adhesive universal resin cement. A circumferential ferrule of 2 mm was always provided. Surgical crown lengthening was necessary in 13 cases. Patients were observed in intervals of 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after post placement.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 24 to 36 months (mean +/- SD: 27.9 +/- 5.6) of observation following post placement, 1 tooth was extracted because of changes of the prosthetic treatment plan. No failures were observed among the 88 patients with follow-up data.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both titanium and glass fiber reinforced composite posts result in successful treatment outcomes after 2 years. The material combination used seems to be appropriate in the short term for cementing endodontic posts, irrespective of the post material.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics and Geriatric Dentistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany. michael.naumann@charite.de
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Naumann
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sterzenbac
authors.forename: Franke
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Alexandra
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dietrich
mesh_terms: D003188:Composite Resins; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D005260:Female; D005898:Glass; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011176:Post and Core Technique; D019279:Resin Cements; D014025:Titanium; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D003188:Composite Resins; D019279:Resin Cements; C009753:fiberglass; D014025:Titanium