COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF FRACTURE RESISTANCE OF ENDODONTICALLY TREATED MANDIBULAR MOLARS RESTORED WITH DIRECT CONVENTIONAL COMPOSITE VERSUS COMPOSITE RESTORATION REINFORCED WITH HORIZONTAL FIBERGLASS POSTS: AN IN - VITRO STUDY

Context: Tooth fracture following endodontic therapy is a major cause of failure, often exceeding reinfection as a reason for tooth loss. Placement of horizontal fiberglass posts has been proposed as a conservative, cost-effective reinforcement method. Aim: To compare the fracture resistance of endodontically treated mandibular molars restored with conventional composite resin versus composite reinforced with horizontal fiberglass posts. Methods and Material:Thirty extracted intact mandibular molars were endodontically treated and randomly divided into two groups (n = 15 each): Group 1 - restored with conventional composite resin; Group 2 - restored with composite reinforced with horizontally placed fiberglass posts in the buccolingual direction. Specimens were embedded in acrylic resin, stored in saline at 37C, and subjected to compressive loading in a universal testing machine until fracture. Maximum load to fracture (N) was recorded. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this in - vitro study, horizontal fiberglass posts are expected to enhance the fracture resistance of endodontically treated mandibular molars. This technique may provide a conservative and cost- effective alternative for reinforcing teeth when immediate full-coverage restorations are not feasible.