What is the most commonly used material for posterior restoration after a root canal treatment?

Abstract

Restoring of the posterior teeth after root canal treatment still constitutes a considerable clinical challenge, as these teeth frequently present with substantial structural deficit and an increased risk of fracture. Restorative material and process must therefore be selected adequately to maintain function, resistance, and to conserve the intact tooth surface; Objectives: To identify the materials and restorative strategies most commonly used by dentists for posterior restorations after root canal treatment, and to analyze the main factors influencing these clinical decisions; Material and methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was employed among dental professionals involved in the restoration of posterior endodontically treated teeth. The questionnaire comprised 18 items regarding demographic, endodontic, post and core strategies, restorative techniques, final materials selections and failure mode information. Answers were collected anonymously; Results: A total of 103 dentists participated, and 102 responses were selected. The approach reported most frequently was indirect restorations with cuspal coverage. The most chosen final restoration was full-coverage crowns (60%), followed by onlays/overlays (34%), and direct composite restorations were applied, by far less (4%). For indirect restorative materials, monolithic zirconia was the most used followed by lithium disilicate. Main material for core build-up was composite resin (81%), and fiber posts preferred over metal posts. Fracture resistance, esthetic properties, and adhesive properties were the main parameters affecting material selection. The most prevalent failure modes were re-infection, and endodontic failure; Conclusion: Dentists are predominantly more inclined to use indirect restorations with cuspal coverage for the posterior teeth following root canal treatment. The most common choices had included full-coverage crowns, monolithic zirconia, composite core build-ups and fiber posts. The retention of residual tooth structure, appropriate protection of the cuspal región and proper selection of material would appear to be the most important factors for sustained restorative success