Longevity of composite build-ups without posts—10-year results of a practice-based study

• Published in: Clinical oral investigations 2019-03, Vol.23 (3), p.1435-1442
• Main Authors: Wierichs, R. J., Kramer, E. J., Wolf, T. G., Naumann, M., Meyer-Lueckel, H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Canine teeth; Clinical trials; Composite Resins; Crowns; Dental Restoration Failure; Dental restorative materials; Dentistry; Endodontics; Humans; Incisors; Longevity; Medicine; Original Article; Post and Core Technique; Premolars; Prospective Studies; Success; Teeth; Tooth, Nonvital - therapy
• ISSN: 1432-6981; 1436-3771
• DOI: 10.1007/s00784-018-2565-0

Aim The aim of this prospective, non-interventional, multi-center, practice-based study was, firstly, to evaluate the longevity of composite build-ups in endodontically treated teeth (ETT) without post placement and, secondly, to analyze factors influencing the success of these composite build-ups. Methodology Each of seven general dental practitioners placed up to 50 composite build-ups without additional posts in ETT. Teeth were restricted to incisors, canines, and premolars. Several clinical data were recorded for 192 coronal restorations on ETT in 192 patients. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to analyze associations between clinical factors and time until failure. Results Within a follow-up period of 10 years, 167 restorations were judged as successful [mean success time, 110 (105–115) months] and 180 teeth survived [mean survival time, 114 (110–119) months]. The main failure type was fracture of the restoration ( n  = 15). The annual failure rate was 2.4%. In bivariate Cox regression, both factors such as number of restored tooth surfaces and adhesive were significantly associated with the failure rate. In multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression, none of the investigated factors were significantly associated with the failure rate. Conclusion For composite build-ups in ETT without post placement, high success rates could be found after up to 10 years of observation time. Within the limitations of the present study, none of the analyzed factors such as “tooth type” or “number of restored tooth surfaces” was a significant predictor for the failure rate. Clinical relevance Endodontically treated teeth can be successfully directly restored with composite build-ups even when no additional post is inserted. Trial registration The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS-ID: DRKS00012882).