An in vitro comparative evaluation of different intraorifice barriers on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated roots obturated with gutta-percha.
OBJECTIVE
To compare and evaluate the root reinforcement potential of four different intraorifice barriers: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), fiber-reinforced composite (FRC), and nanohybrid composite (NC).


METHODS
Seventy-five mandibular premolars were decoronated to a standardized length, and prepared and obturated with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer. Except for control specimens, the coronal 3-mm gutta-percha was removed and filled with different materials. The specimens (75) were divided into five groups (n = 15) on the basis of the intraorifice barrier material used. Group 1: MTA, Group 2: RMGIC, Group 3: FRC, Group 4: NC, Group 5: no barrier (control). Fracture resistance of the specimens was tested.


RESULTS
Fracture resistance of roots was significantly affected by the type of intraorifice barrier used and the following pattern was observed: RMGIC > FRC > NC > MTA.


CONCLUSIONS
Intraorifice barriers can be regarded as a viable choice to reduce the occurrence of postendodontic root fractures. Among the four tested materials, RMGIC showed the maximum reinforcement.
Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Subharti Dental College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Abhishek
A
Gupta
Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Subharti Dental College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Vipin
V
Arora
Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Subharti Dental College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Padmanabh
P
Jha
Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Subharti Dental College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Vineeta
V
Nikhil
Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Subharti Dental College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Parul
P
Bansal
Endodontically treated teeth; fracture resistance; intraorifice barrier; nanohybrid composite; reinforcement; resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC)