Clinical studies of fiber posts: a literature review.
OBJECTIVE
This literature review aimed to find answers to relevant questions regarding the clinical outcome of endontically treated teeth restored with fiber posts.


METHODS
All clinical studies published since 1990 in journals indexed in MEDLINE were retrieved by searching PubMed with the query terms "fiber posts and clinical studies." The reference list of the collected articles was also screened for further relevant citations. The strength of the evidence provided by the reviewed papers was assessed according to the criteria of evidence-based dentistry.


RESULTS
Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on fiber posts have been published in peer-reviewed journals. A meta-analysis is not applicable to these studies since they do not address the same specific clinical question. Retrospective and prospective trials without controls are also available.


CONCLUSIONS
Two RCTs indicate that fiber-reinforced composite posts outperform metal posts in the restoration of endontically treated teeth. However, this evidence cannot be considered as conclusive. Longer-term RCTs would be desirable. The placement of a fiber-reinforced composite post protects against failure, especially under conditions of extensive coronal destruction. The most common type of failure with fiber-reinforced composite posts is debonding.
Cagidiaco
Maria C
MC
Department of Preventive Dentistry and Periodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
Goracci
Cecilia
C
Garcia-Godoy
Franklin
F
Ferrari
Marco
M
D002244:Carbon; D000077482:Carbon Fiber; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D005898:Glass; D006801:Humans; D011176:Post and Core Technique; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011791:Quartz; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000077482:Carbon Fiber; D003188:Composite Resins; C009753:fiberglass; D011791:Quartz; D002244:Carbon