Restoration of the root IN BRIEF

• Provides a synopsis of the effects of root

canal treated tooth canal treatment on the strength of teeth.

PRACTICE
• Summarises the available literature
pertaining to the restoration of root
filled teeth.
S. Eliyas,*1 J. Jalili2 and N. Martin3 • Gives practitioners information on how
to choose the appropriate temporary,
interim and definitive restorations
VERIFIABLE CPD PAPER required for anterior and posterior root
filled teeth.

When considering endodontically treated teeth, the quality of the restoration is important from the outset. It sheds light
into possible causes of pulp necrosis or failure of endodontic treatment and influences the outcome of future endodontic
treatment. A tooth undergoing endodontic treatment requires an effective coronal seal during and following completion
of endodontic treatment. This paper discusses, using the available literature, the maintenance of optimal coronal seal and
coronal integrity during and after root canal treatment.

INTRODUCTION Table 1 The importance of a good coronal seal (GE = good endodontics, GR = good
Root canal treatment involves the removal restoration)
of necrotic and infected tissue followed by Study Measure of No. of teeth Outcome
the provision of a well-condensed obtura- coronal seal
tion to prevent further microbial prolifera- Ray & Trope90 Rads 1,010 (no post + cores) GR more important than GE
tion within the canal system.1 The potential
Tronstad et al.91 Rads 1,000 (post + cores GE more important than GR
ingress of microbes into the canal system included)
will compromise the outcome of endodontic
Kirkevang et al.92 Rads 773 Better periapical status with GR
treatment. The importance of an effective
coronal seal in endodontics is well docu- Hommez et al.62 Exam & rads 745 Better periapical status with GR
mented (Table 1).
Boucher et al. 63
Rads 5,373 No coronal restoration more periapical
A root filled tooth is unlike a vital tooth areas
due to the effect of endodontic treatment. It
Segura-Egea et al.93 Rads 93 Better periapical status with GR
is thought that endodontic treatment leads
to ‘weakening’ of the remaining tooth struc- Tavares et al.94
Rads 1,035 Better periapical status with GR
ture as a result of various factors: changes
Ng et al.11
Exam & rads 1,452 Better periapical status with GR
in tooth architecture, changes in the prop-
erties of dentine and changes in proprio-
ception. Although the effects are similar for susceptible to fracture. In anterior teeth, no Proprioception is also purportedly affected
both anterior and posterior teeth, the con- difference in fracture susceptibility of root- by endodontic treatment with higher pain
sequences are different due to the difference filled and non-root-filled anterior teeth has threshold seen in non-vital teeth and there-
in tooth morphology and loading patterns. been shown.2 In posterior teeth endodontic fore increased loading of non-vital teeth. It
The changes in tooth architecture are often procedures were shown to reduce the stiffness is thought that proprioception is reduced by
attributed to the access cavity preparation of teeth by 5%, however, the presence of an 30% after endodontic treatment as a result
and removal of the vital tissues, suppos- occlusal restoration reduced stiffness by 20% of pulpal nerves being involved in regulating
edly rendering the tooth weaker and more and the presence of a mesio-occluso-distal masticatory load.8 The periodontal ligament
restoration reduced tooth stiffness by 63%.3 It may act as a protective feature. The rele-
1
Locum Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, Glenfield is the loss of the marginal ridges and occlusal vance of loading forces may be more prudent
Hospital, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust,
Groby Road, Leicester, LE3 9QP; 2Specialist Registrar in
isthmus that leads to weakening of teeth.3,4 in parafunctional patients as parafunctional
Restorative Dentistry, Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, Some have theorised that obtaining straight- loads can be six times the normal chewing
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, line access may weaken adjacent cusps;5 force (1.5 to 7 kg) for an excess of 35 min-
Wellesley Road, Sheffield, S10 2SZ; 3Professor and Hon
Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, Academic Unit
others have suggested that post preparation utes in 24 hours, whereas normally teeth
of Restorative Dentistry, School of Clinical Dentistry, removes radicular dentine, which weakens come together for chewing and empty swal-
University of Sheffield teeth6 or that excess force during canal obtu- lows (eight minutes) for about 17.5 minutes
*Correspondence to: Miss Shiyana Eliyas
Email: [email protected] ration causes tooth weakening.7 However, it every 24 hours. Chewing forces are predomi-
must be remembered that most teeth requiring nantly vertical, but in parafunction they can
Refereed Paper endodontic treatment have already suffered also be horizontal,9 though in anterior teeth
Accepted 12 November 2014
DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2015.27 caries, cracks, trauma and previous restora- there is a much greater horizontal vector
© British Dental Journal 2015; 218: 53-62 tions which may be the cause of weakness. of force depending on the guidance on the

BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL VOLUME 218 NO. 2 JAN 23 2015 53

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 PRACTICE

anterior teeth. However, nothing is reported

in the literature in relation to parafunction Table 2 The incidence of pulp death under crown and bridgework
and failure of endodontically treated teeth.
Study Number of teeth Method of Follow up Pulp death Pulp death
The process of endodontic treatment pre- assessment (crowns) (bridges)
dominantly results in collagen depletion; this
Bergenholtz & Nyman95 417 crowns Notes & rads 4-13 years 3% 15%
affects the elasticity of the dentine and pre- 255 bridge abutments
disposes to fracture during shearing forces. A
Karlsson96 944 bridge abutments Exam & rads 10 years - 10%
number of steps in the protocol of root-canal
treatment have a negative effect on collagen
Jackson et al.97 202 crowns Exam & rads 2-6 years 5.7%
including the use of sodium hypochlorite 235 bridge abutments
(NaOCl), with concentrations over 2% hav-
Valderhaug et al.98 46 crowns Rads 25 years 17%
ing more deleterious effects.10 There is a syn- 112 bridges
ergistic effect of ethylenediaminetetraacetic
Saunders & Saunders99 458 crowns Rads ? 19% -
acid (EDTA) and NaOCl.10 The use of calcium
hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) dressing can reduce the
Cheung et al.100 284 crowns Exam & rads 7-21 years 16% 33%
flexural strength of dentine and microbial 102 bridges
products themselves can degrade collagen.10
Heat created during treatment can further
denature collagen and dehydrate the tooth Table 3 Detecting the quality of the coronal seal before and after dismantling restorations
structure, although the loss of pulp or loss (Abbott 2004)22
of moisture per  se has not been shown to
Before restoration removal After restoration removal
affect biomechanical properties of dentine.10
NaOCl, EDTA and Ca(OH)2 are essential for Caries 47 (19.2%) 211 (86.1%)
the successful outcome of root-canal treat-
ment11 yet affect the strength and restorative Cracks 57 (23.3%) 147 (60%)
viability of the remaining dentine. Marginal breakdown 96 (39.2%) 244 (99.6%)
It is noteworthy that although all root
filled teeth are somewhat ‘weakened’ often
as a result of injury before endodontic treat- crown has been present for any length of breakdown from clinical and radiographic
ment, the anterior and posterior teeth are time, the loss of vitality or failure of endo- examinations (Table 3).22 This highlights the
loaded differently in function and therefore dontic treatment may be as a result of leak- importance of coronal disassembly to deter-
interim and definitive restorations on root age which is likely to go undetected if the mine the suitability for treatment and prog-
filled teeth should provide favourable load coronal restoration is not dismantled. In few nosis before endodontic treatment, especially
distribution as to prevent potential fracture exceptional situations, there may be a need with crowns and conventional cements. It is
of the remaining tooth structure. The same to maintain the restoration and access the the authors’ experience that the true status
type of restoration is not ideal for both canal system through the existing restora- of the cement interface can only be visual-
anterior and posterior teeth. The restora- tion, such as the need for endodontic treat- ised once the restoration is sectioned and
tive component of endodontic treatment ment following very recent provision of a removed, thus enabling an accurate assess-
should optimise the tooth’s survival with a cuspal coverage restoration. ment to be made.
good coronal seal, cuspal protection where The retention of the restoration will be Although maintaining the restoration
required and prevention of further primary affected by the act of making an access cav- may be seen as advantageous for retaining
disease. This article outlines the available ity within the restoration. In anterior teeth rubber dam clamps, the presence of crowns
evidence for the restoration of root filled there may be up to a 60% decrease in the and large amalgam restorations can hinder
treated teeth, both during and after endo- retention of crowns following endodontic visibility significantly. Where crowns are
dontic treatment. access through the existing crown.18 Based present, there may also be loss of orienta-
on the effect of ultrasonic energy on post tion leading to the potential for iatrogenic
A ‘GOOD CORONAL SEAL’ removal, the use of ultrasonic energy as errors in locating canals and removal of
The development of apical areas occurs only part of the endodontic access procedure significantly more dentine than necessary,
in the presence of microbial invasion of the may further affect the cement lute of the compromising the restorability and the prog-
canal spaces.12–14 Laboratory studies have crown.19,20 The patient must be informed that nosis.11,23–26 The presence of a metal restora-
shown that bacteria can reach the apex of the restoration may decement during or after tion can hamper the use of electronic apex
root filled teeth in as short a period of time the procedure rendering the need for a new locators, which is integral to identifying the
as a few days, and the endotoxins can reach crown to be constructed. In posterior teeth apical constriction in many cases.27,28 Where
the apex even faster.15–17 Endodontic treat- the decrease in retention is related to the the apex is large due to trauma during root
ments are often carried out on teeth that area of the access cavity as a proportion of development, resorption or where perio-
have had their coronal seal compromised. the total area of the preparation.21 endo lesions exist, a second additional form
Consequently when a tooth is requiring It has been shown that the clinical and of identifying the apical constriction is nec-
endodontic treatment an assessment of the radiographic assessment of a coronal resto- essary, such as using paper points.29,30
existing coronal seal is imperative. ration while in situ is not always accurate. The reluctance to remove posts as part
In teeth that show pulpal problems soon Abbott (2004) assessed 245 teeth before and of coronal disassembly is often due to the
after crown and bridgework, the loss of vital- after removal of the coronal restoration potential risk of root fracture; however,
ity may have resulted from the preparation and showed that there was a 56% chance Abbott (2002) showed that posts could be
carried out (Table  2), however, where the of detecting caries, cracks or marginal removed without risk of fracturing the root.

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 PRACTICE

He removed posts from 1,600 teeth, and only dentine supragingivally following coronal preventing fracture between appointments
0.06% suffered a fracture of the root (one disassembly and crown preparation, the as well as a good coronal seal. Interim res-
tooth which was thought to have a fracture tooth is deemed unrestorable without crown torations can also aid rubber dam isolation
present before post removal).31 The average lengthening procedures as this is important during endodontic treatment, which is both
time taken to remove a post was three min- to achieve an adequate ferrule effect. The important to prevent ingress of microbes
utes using the Eggler post removal device aesthetic consequences, length of the root into the canal system but is also vital in
and ultrasonic activation.31 The key is to and periodontal support usually determine ensuring hazardous canal irrigants do not
ensure careful sectioning and removal of the possibility of crown lengthening proce- seep into the oral cavity during treatment.
the overlying crown. The core material must dures. The width of the remaining dentine Where there is a small existing intrac-
then be removed around the post to leave once crown preparation is completed must oronal restoration, the temporary restora-
part of post above gingival level for many of be visualised: in vital teeth, thin remaining tion may act also as the interim restoration.
the available post removal devices to be used dentine may endanger the pulp whereas in Where the tooth’s coronal structure is
with ease. Ultrasonic activation is crucial root filled teeth thin remaining dentine will severely compromised or a crack is sus-
to post removal, although when ultrasonic lead to coronal fracture. pected, copper rings or orthodontic bands
instrumentation is used dry, repeated wetting Dismantling restorations implies the need may act as interim restorations (Figs 1 and
and cooling of the tooth is necessary to pre- for replacement restoration during and fol- 2). Some have advocated the use of stainless
vent overheating of the periodontal tissues. lowing endodontic treatment. Although steel orthodontic bands as interim restora-
It is essential to ensure the water reaches numerous studies have highlighted the tions citing reduced cusp flexure often in
the working tip of the ultrasonic instru- importance of a ‘good coronal seal’ in root premolar teeth36 and recommended that if
ment. Monitoring of the post temperature filled teeth, what determines a ‘good coronal one or more cusps are missing a band should
at one to two minute intervals (less if the seal’ in real life clinical dentistry is less well be placed.37 When metal bands are used, it is
remaining dentine around the post is thin), documented. The ideal restorative material prudent to use chemically curing cements as
along with two-minute rest periods when provides all of the structural properties to well as ensure that the margins allow opti-
ultrasonics are being used for more than ten withstand failure under loading in the oral mum oral hygiene and that the restoration
minutes to allow recovery of the tissues has environment but also provides protection is in keeping with the occlusion. It is not
been suggested.32 It is recommended that from the ingress of substances from the oral always possible to use metal bands around
an immediate denture is kept ready prior to cavity into the tooth. teeth in smile line such as premolars due to
dismantling coronal restorations on heavily Assessment of marginal integrity and
restored anterior teeth. resistance to leakage is determined by in vitro
Once restorations are disassembled, studies due to the inability to assess leakage
assessing the restorability of the tooth in in a clinical scenario without removing the
health economic terms is essential. Wasting restoration. These include dye penetration,
resources on an unrestorable tooth that is bacterial penetration or radioactive isotope
likely to fail due to the poor coronal seal penetration. Despite the sophistication of
is unwise and the resources may be better some of these, the biological differences
spent extracting the tooth and consider- of the oral environment cannot be ignored
ing the options for replacement. Evidence with the result that these studies cannot be
based dentistry involved decision-making extrapolated directly to clinical practice.
using the best available evidence, clinical If the bacterial endotoxins can penetrate
judgement and patient choice. The deci- restorations and cause apical periodontitis,
sion to dismantle and endodontically treat leakage studies relating to bacterial penetra-
a tooth is difficult when a patient presents tion alone are not useful. An ideal material
without symptoms and the tooth is heavily providing an ideal seal is not documented in Fig. 1 Interim restorations using copper rings
restored or restored with an extra-coronal the literature at present.
restoration. The tooth may or may not be The restoration of a root filled tooth begins
restorable and it may be difficult to assess before root filling with interim restorations,
without dismantling the restoration. If the during root filling with temporary restora-
tooth is found to be restorable, taking the tions and after root filling with definitive
risk and completing the endodontic treat- restorations.
ment as soon as possible is advantageous
as the longer the tooth is left infected the INTERIM RESTORATIONS
more resistant the microbial colonies may Interim restorations are those that provide
become.33,34 If however the tooth is unrestor- structural integrity to the tooth while the
able after dismantling, the patient may see it tooth is undergoing endodontic treatment.
as a premature loss of tooth if s/he presented This restoration is provided following dis-
without debilitating symptoms. mantling and assessment of the tooth restor-
The restorability of a tooth is depend- ability, usually before or in the early stages
ent on both the height and thickness of of endodontic treatment. An interim restora-
the available dentine following not only tion is expected to remain in situ providing
the removal of all restorations but also fol- a good seal until the endodontic treatment is
lowing preparation for any extra-coronal completed and a definitive restoration can be
restorations.35 If a tooth lacks a minimum provided. These interim restorations should Fig. 2 Interim restorations using orthodontic
bands
of 2 mm of height and 1 mm of width of help provide support for weakened cusps

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 PRACTICE

aesthetic considerations, although using a the technician with the approximate amount Switzerland), amalgam and temporary
tooth coloured material to mask the buc- of tooth that will be left in situ under the crowns ± posts. It is possible to use the same
cal surface of the metal band have been denture tooth. The acrylic denture will materials in endodontic access cavities of
described.37 Entire tooth build-ups using doubtless need significant adjustment over both anterior and posterior teeth.
glass ionomer cements, composite materials the remaining coronal tooth structure of the Temporary materials must have adequate
and amalgam have been described in detail tooth undergoing root canal treatment – this strength but often do not require that essen-
in endodontic textbooks.38 should be done by hollowing out the denture tial for interim restorations, although this
When anterior teeth are undergoing endo- in this area and relining at chairside over the does depend on the loading pattern of the
dontic treatment, if the tooth is unrestored tooth in question. tooth. Temporary materials are used in
or restored with intracoronal restorations, In posterior teeth, if there is adequate tooth smaller quantities and must maintain its
a temporary restoration in the endodontic structure, a temporary material in the endo- strength in small quantities. In terms of
access cavity may be the only requirement. dontic access cavity alone may be sufficient. the sealing ability of available temporary
In cases where a crown in dismantled, the However, if a crack is suspected, providing sealing, somewhat contradictory evidence
authors recommend a temporary restoration cuspal coverage may be required. This can be exists.37 The sealing ability may be affected
be placed in the endodontic access cavity in the form of the entire tooth being built up by the deformation of the material under
before placement of the temporary crown, with a restorative material as discussed ear- cyclic loading45 and the ability of the mate-
so that if the crown is lost, the access cavity lier, or the provision of a temporary crown in rial to withstand marginal breakdown and/
still remains sealed. These temporary crowns a similar manner to an anterior tooth. or leakage.
can be easily constructed using a putty index In some cases it may be necessary to A summary of the literature relating to
of the tooth before coronal disassembly and reduce the occlusal surface of the tooth and endodontic temporisation by Naoum and
a chair side temporary crown composite rebuild using a restorative material such as Chandler (2002) discusses a variety of tem-
material such as Protemp (3M ESPE, Seefeld, amalgam to provide better force distribu- porary materials tested for use in endodon-
Germany) or Quicktemp Cosmetic (Davis tion to prevent the occurrence of a vertical tic access cavities.46 They found that gutta
Schottlander & Davis Ltd. Fifth Avenue, fracture.43,44 Although amalgam provides percha (GP) produced a poor seal and there
Herts, UK) or cold cure acrylic material such adequate strength in these situations, the was contradictory evidence with regard to
as Trim (The Bosworth Company, Skokie, IL) metallic nature can interfere with apex the sealing ability of zinc phosphate cements
or Snap (Parkell, Inc. NY, USA). The choice locators and the dark colouring can hinder and polycarboxylate cements. Zinc oxide/
is often dependent on personal preference. visual inspection of the canal system. Other calcium sulphate preparations such as Cavit
The marginal integrity is important for the materials such as composite are an alterna- showed good marginal sealing due to their
seal and the marginal contour is essential for tive although their use can be time consum- water absorbing characteristics. However, a
the health of the periodontal tissues. It has ing and their removal may remove further number of studies showed dye penetration
been recommended that temporary crowns tooth structure. Due to the need for good into the body of the material. A 3.5-4 mm
be cemented with Intermediate Restorative moisture control when using composite and thickness of material was required for an
Material (IRM® - Dentsply Caulk, DE, USA) glass ionomer cement (GIC), in badly bro- adequate seal. Coltosol is a similar material
or zinc phosphate cement.37 It may also be ken done teeth the more forgiving amalgam to Cavit and is said to harden within 30 min-
appropriate to consider a sealing the dentine restoration may be a better alternative. The utes on contact with moisture however has
tubules with a dentine-bonding agent fol- endodontic access cavity of ideal dimensions not been tested as an endodontic temporary
lowing crown preparation to reduce the risk can then be made through this restoration, material. IRM, a zinc-oxide-eugenol-based
of bacterial leakage via the exposed dentine with care not to jeopardise the integrity and material, also had contradictory evidence
tubules.39 stability of the interim restoration. with some studies showing ability to pre-
It is more difficult to obtain a good coro- vent bacterial penetration into tooth cavities
nal seal with temporary post crowns. Some TEMPORARY RESTORATIONS others showing high fluid penetration along
have stated that teeth restored with tem- Temporary restorations are those that occupy the margins depending on the consistency of
porary posts have as much contamination the access cavity and provide a good coronal the mix. The softer, sticky mixes gave better
as not having a restoration in situ.40,41 It is seal between appointments. The overriding antimicrobial activity and better seals but
recommended that cotton wool and Cavit requirement is that they should provide an with reduced physical properties. A powder
(3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany) be placed at effective and durable seal between appoint- to liquid ratio of 6:1 was recommended for
the base of the post cavity before cementa- ments. Other desirable properties include better strength.
tion of the post and crown,37 though their ease of removal at the next appointment, GIC was said to give as good a seal as
removal can pose difficulties. As a result it inexpensive and having inferior aesthetic an intact crown over eight weeks, with its
may be more appropriate to avoid a post properties, thus making it more obvious at antibacterial properties and chemical bond
crown and use an immediate or temporary the time of removal so that additional tooth to tooth structure. Reinforced GICs have
denture (RPD) for anterior teeth, with the structure is not removed at the subsequent higher flexural strengths.46 Other in  vitro
root stump sealed and protected using a re-entry appointment. An array of potential studies have shown that GIC can give a bet-
temporisation material until the endodontic materials are available, including zinc-oxide/ ter seal over other materials.47–50 There is the
treatment is completed.42 Clearly, if a tempo- calcium-sulphate-based materials (Cavit, added disadvantage of removing more tooth
rary acrylic RPD-overdenture is to be used, Coltosol – Coltene Whaldent, Mahwah, NJ, structure when these interim materials are
this needs to be planned and discussed with USA), zinc-oxide-based reinforced interme- removed. Conditioning with polyacrylic acid
the patient from the outset. Instructions to diate restorative materials (IRM – Dentsply before placement of GIC was recommended
the technician should make it clear that an Caulk, Milford, USA), GIC, resin modified for a more predictable bond followed by
overdenture is required and that this is not GIC (RMGIC), reinforced GIC (Ketac Fil and varnish or resin seal over the GIC to protect
conventional in the amount of tooth reduc- Ketac Silver – 3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany), from water absorption.51,52
tion. Clear guidelines should be provided to composite (TERM – Dentsply Maillefer, When composite materials were

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 PRACTICE

considered, the shrinkage and material of space for the temporary restoration, leak- fractures and less caries was observed in the
thickness (minimum of 2 mm) was important age through exposed dentinal tubules, acting teeth restored with amalgam at five years.59
in determining sealing ability. Some stud- as a cushion for the temporary filling to be A Cochrane review included one study with
ies showed that the seal with composite was displaced and potential for microscopic cot- high risk of bias60 where premolars were
inferior to Cavit and IRM. This may be as a ton fibres to be either exposed to the mouth root filled, carbon fibre post placed and
result of attempting bonding to tooth struc- and thus wicking saliva and bacteria into then restored with either a composite mate-
ture damaged by endodontic medicaments the pulp chamber or being carried down the rial or built up with composite followed by
as it has been shown that bonding of resin canal in to apical tissues. Alternatively a a full coverage metal ceramic crown. They
to tooth structure is reduced after endodon- sterile, well-adapted piece of polytetrafuoro- concluded that there were no differences
tics.53,54 In  vitro studies showed that Cavit, ethylene (PTFE) tape56 or in the authors’ between the non-catastrophic failures in
TERM, GIC and IRM all gave leak proof experience, sponges such as Roeko Endo- both groups and that insufficient evidence
seals when placed in access cavities made frost Pellets (Coltene Whaldent, Mahwah, NJ, exists to refute the use of conventional fill-
through amalgam interim restorations. Cavit USA) can be used over the canal orifices as ings over crowns for the restoration of root
and zinc-oxide-eugenol-based materials they can be compressed under the packing filled teeth.61
gave a good seal if the access was through force of the temporary material and removed The need for a post is debatable as
a composite interim restoration. Cavit and easily without fibres being carried apically. Hommez et al. (2002) found that posts and
IRM provided as good a seal as the original It is advised that the cavity is dried before marginal caries had no influence on apical
restoration when placed in access cavities temporary material placement and that the status.62 Apical periodontitis in this study
through interim IRM restorations, amalgam material is condensed in increments.46 was increased if there were ‘unacceptable’
fillings and gold or metal ceramic crowns.46 restorations in situ (49% vs. 24% for accept-
The concept of a ‘double seal’ has also DEFINITIVE RESTORATIONS able restoration), if there was no base under
been described in the absence of a single The definitive restoration should be placed restorations (41% vs. 26% if a base was pre-
ideal restorative material. A double seal is as soon as possible after completion of root sent), or if composite was used (41% vs. 28%
the placement of two temporary materials canal treatment. The time it takes for the if amalgam was used). Boucher et al. (2002)
in the access cavity to gain the advantages microbial penetration of the canal if the tem- showed apical periodontitis in 29% of cases
of both materials such as the sealing ability porary restoration is lost has been shown to with posts, 22% with intracoronal restora-
of one material and the strength of another. be as low as two days in animal studies.57 tions, 24% with extracoronal restoration and
The combination of Cavit and IRM have It is clear that a definitive restoration is 33% with no coronal restoration.63
been recommended for various reasons essential as Chugal (2007) found that 40% Ferrari et al. (2012) studies 354 premolars
including cost, ease of use and the fact that of teeth with temporary restorations failed with posts and metal ceramic crowns receiv-
used together better dentine adaptation was when compared with 21% failure of those ing a variety of treatments including no post,
seen when compared with IRM alone.55 GIC with definitive restorations.58 There may be prefabricated composite post and customised
could also be used as stated earlier as it some selection bias here as teeth with pre-op fibre posts. The overall survival of teeth was
shows good sealing ability. Where internal apical periodontitis may be more likely not to 94% at six years. If there was no post present
bleaching or in-out bleaching are considered, be restored with crowns as endodontic fail- the survival was 86%, with a prefabricated
due to the expansion of bleaching agents, ure is expected. Chugal found no difference post survival was 99% and with a custom
Cavit or Coltosol placed in sufficient thick- in endodontic failure rates between crowns, post the survival was 97%. The teeth in the
ness over the GP are recommended instead amalgams or composites.58 Endodontically study were divided according to the number
of composite as a temporary restoration. GIC, treated premolars restored with fibre posts of walls remaining (six groups of 60 teeth
composite or amalgam can be used over a and direct composite have been compared each). Teeth with four walls did not fail
layer of temporary material such as Cavit, to the restoration of premolars using amal- regardless of the type of post. However, the
if longer-term temporisation is required.46 gam. No statistically significant difference study implied that catastrophic failure was
Cotton wool underneath temporary mate- was found between the proportions of failed highest if there was no post and a crown was
rials is discouraged due to the requirement teeth in the two groups, however, more root provided where there was one, two or three
walls remaining, regardless of a presence of
a ferrule.64 A Cochrane review found poor
Table 4 Outcome of posts quality evidence in support for which post
is best.65 Table  4 summarises the evidence
Study Type of post Survival
for survival of different post types. From the
Weine 101
Cast post and cores 99% at 10 years view of maintaining a good coronal seal, the
direct placement of a post and core at the
Mentink102 Cast post and cores 82% at 10 years
time of completion of the root canal treat-
Screw post and composite 75-87% at 6 years ment is ideal, followed by the provision of a
Creuger (meta analysis)103
Cast post and cores 88-94% at 6 years temporary crown.
Titanium posts and composite Prior to placement of a definitive restora-
93.5% at 8.5 years
Jung104 build ups tion, a canal orifice seal is recommended.
90.2% at 8.5 years
Case post and cores
This is 3-4  mm of a well sealing material
Glass fibre posts and all ceramic
Signore105 98% at 8 years (root fracture) such as IRM or Cavit or GIC. Some suggest
crowns
that eugenol-based materials are helpful as
Tidehag106 Carbon fibre posts 90% at 7 years eugenol does well against bacterial leakage.
Segerstrom 107
Carbon fibre posts 65% at 6.7 years Others have noted that eugenol can affect the
bonding properties of resins. This evidence is
Nauman 108
Glass fibre posts 87% over 2 years (post fracture conflicting with some proposing that etching

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Fig. 4 Forces leading to fracture of cusps

Fig. 3 Trapping of air in narrow access cavities when restoring with resin composites where cuspal coverage is not used and the
(a: immediately post operatively, b: one-year review) marginal ridges are compromised

with 30-35% phosphoric acid for 15 seconds of loading. Anterior teeth are loaded non- required for retention and resistance form
removes eugenol in the dentinal tubules to axially. Posterior teeth are loaded occlusally is dependent on the taper of the preparation.
a sufficient depth (ten microns). Therefore it and therefore axially. The options for ante- It has been said that although 2-6° tapers are
may be more appropriate to use RMGIC when rior teeth are direct composite restorations ideal, clinicians realistically achieve 10-20°
composite is to be used as the main restora- or replacement crowns with or without a tapers. In the anterior zone a minimum of
tion. The bond strength of GIC is unaffected post. The options for premolars is similar 3  mm of height and in the posterior zone
by IRM or Cavit.66 Residual endodontic seal- although these teeth are often loaded axi- where it is more difficult to achieve the ideal
ers can also adversely affect bonding and a ally and may be loaded horizontally if they taper, 4 mm of height is required.70 This may
total etch procedure is recommended.46 GIC are involved in lateral guidance and cuspal be less of an issue where adhesive cements
must be sticky to form a bond with tooth coverage should be considered where mar- are used. Posts can also be advantageous to
structure, yet also be packed down into the ginal ridges are compromised (Fig. 4). Molars retain core materials, which can in turn help
canal orifices. Composite can also be used, can be restored with simple composite or retention and resistance form. New compos-
although air blows easily occur and adequate amalgam restorations in the access cavity ite materials predictably bond to dentine,
drying and curing to the depth of the canal if the marginal ridges are intact or com- although the long term bonding is affected
orifice may be difficult to achieve (Fig. 3). plex amalgams/composite providing cuspal by shrinkage, hydrolysis, cyclic loading and
In most anterior and premolar teeth, the coverage, onlays/overlays in gold (Fig.  5), thermal stresses in function.71 This may be a
pulp chamber is small and the placement of indirect composite or porcelain, or full cov- limited problem where the entire restoration
a post may aid the retention of the definitive erage crowns in metal, metal ceramic or all is covered by a crown. As said earlier, the
restoration, even when the tooth is not to be ceramic if marginal ridges are compromised. bonding to endodontically treated teeth may
crowned. In posterior teeth the pulp chamber When crowns are considered, the need for also be unpredictable.
is sufficiently large to retain core materials a ferrule is mandatory for a more predictable Nayyar cores (Fig.  6) are useful in pos-
and should be used to do so without the restoration. A ferrule is a band of the crown terior teeth as amalgam can be packed
need for a post. A guide to choosing the material (often metal) that completely encir- 2-3 mm into the canal orifice avoiding the
correct post has been published elsewhere.67 cles the external dimensions of the tooth and need for a post and providing an orifice seal.
When a post is required, from an endodon- lies between the most cervical dentine-core It is also possible to place 3 mm of IRM or
tic perspective, the ideal is to seal the canal interface and the cervical crown margin. Cavit in the canal before the placement
immediately with a direct post and core, This is strongly recommended where posts of an amalgam restoration. Bonded amal-
however in oval or irregular canals, when a are placed as it resists lateral forces and thus gam restorations have been shown to have
cast post is required this may not be possible. providing fracture resistance.68 Ferrules must strength almost comparative to unrestored
Pink GIC (Fuji VII Command Set (GC Asia be on sound tooth structure (not the core) teeth, and strengths higher than bonded
Dental, Singapore) can be very useful for and axial walls must be parallel and mini- composite restorations although no statis-
sealing over GP when a temporary post and mum thickness of 1  mm.38 The longer the tical significance was found between the
crown is to be placed after root filling. Pink ferrule the better with minimum of 1  mm two groups.72,73 Composite used for cuspal
GIC is chemically cured (accelerated with height suggested by some.69 Ferrules should coverage in endodontically treated premo-
Halogen light) and has the added advantage not invade periodontal attachment and lars has been shown to give fracture resist-
of a mismatch in colour, which allows for therefore must be more than 0.4 mm from ance similar to untreated teeth and higher
safer removal if endodontic re-treatment is the base of the gingival crevice, although the fracture resistance compared to intracoro-
required in the future. depth of the gingival crevice may vary from nal composite restorations.74 Both amalgam
The type of definitive restoration to be pro- patient to patient with the average biological and some GICs must set for 24 hours before
vided depends on the amount of tooth struc- width being approximately 2 mm.70 crown preparation. Some modern GICs (for
ture remaining and the amount and direction Traditionally the height of preparation example, Chemfil Rock, Dentsply Caulk,

58 BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL VOLUME 218 NO. 2 JAN 23 2015

© 2015 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved

 PRACTICE

Fig. 5 The use of an inlay/onlay for cuspal coverage Fig. 6 Example of a Nayyar core restoration
on the 36

DE19963) do not require 24 hour setting amalgams at eight years was 88%.76 Martin alone, and teeth with an all-amalgam post
and the manufacturers advocate finishing and Bader (1997) looked at survival of 4-5 and core or prefabricated post were asso-
immediately post set (within a few minutes). surface amalgams versus crowns and found ciated with a significantly higher survival
Glass-ionomer-cement-based core materi- that crowns had higher success and lower probability than when there was no post or
als are often avoided as GICs expand with catastrophic failure.77 More recent studies on when a cast post was used.81
moisture contamination. root filled teeth have also shown direct resto- An epidemiological study in USA look-
In a mutually protected occlusion, anterior rations to have lower ten-year survival rates ing at 1,462,936 endodontically treated
teeth experience occlusal forces with lateral than crowns (81% for crowns vs. 63% for teeth (21% anteriors, 27% premolars, 52%
vectors during function to protect posterior amalgam, composite, cements).78 The need molars) using an insurance database showed
teeth in guidance. The cervical band of tooth for cuspal coverage is difficult to ascertain that 41,973 teeth were extracted and 85%
structure especially on the palatal aspect is from the literature, although some have of those did not have full cuspal coverage.
very important in distributing lateral loads stated that access cavity preparation can
and crown preparations on anterior teeth result in greater cuspal flexure.79 Biologically
can reduce the thickness of this band. This better force distribution in posterior teeth
results in a reduction in the capability of may be beneficial when taking into account
the cervical portion of the tooth to with- the potential weakening caused by existing
stand lateral forces thereby making the tooth restorations and by loss of marginal ridges.
prone to fracture of the coronal portion at The relationship between crown placement
gingival level. In Class II div 2 cases this is and the survival of endodontically treated
more important and if crowned, a stronger teeth is well documented. Aquilino and
material is needed around the cervical collar Caplan (2002) looked at 203 teeth; 129 were
than in an edge-to-edge occlusion. For the crowned following endodontic treatment
above reason, crowns on anterior teeth are and 74 were restored with amalgam/com-
best avoided (Fig. 7). In anterior teeth posts posite restorations.80 Forty-two teeth (20.7%)
can be useful if a crown is to be placed, as were extracted: 14 with crowns and 28 teeth
the post will allow lateral load to be distrib- with direct restorations in  situ. It was not
uted away from the cervical area, however clear how teeth were chosen for crowns and
the load may then be at the apex of the post for amalgam or composite restorations. Not
and root fracture may be a problem. enough information was given about the
For posterior teeth, the ideal definitive size of the direct restorations and whether
restoration is dependent on the remaining or not the direct restorations provided cuspal
tooth structure. Intracoronal restorations are coverage. Although the reason for extrac-
only recommended if both marginal ridges tion was not mentioned, it was concluded
are present. Where there is reluctance to that endodontically treated teeth were six
provide a crown, a cuspal coverage amal- times more likely to be lost if a crown was
gam restoration may be of use, although not provided and the outcomes were bet-
the following findings are not limited to ter if two proximal contacts existed. It was Fig. 7 Anterior teeth restored with composite
endodontically treated teeth. Smales and noted that teeth with caries at time of access (a: pre-operative view, b: interoperative view,
Hawthorn (1997) showed that 15-year sur- had poorer 5-10 year survivals. Cheung and c: post operative view). These teeth would not
vival for complex amalgams was 48% in Chan in 2003 found that teeth restored with be suitable for crown placement due to the
comparison to 89% for crowns.75 Plasmans crowns survived significantly longer than lack of remaining tooth structure following
(1998) found that their survival of complex those with intracoronal plastic restorations crown preparation

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 PRACTICE

Teeth not provided with a crown were either evidence exists yet for the use of these res-
not restored at all or restored with a multi- torations in the outcome of endodontically
ple surface amalgam or composite. Where a treated teeth. Indirect composite resin onlays
crown was not provided, tooth extractions on root filled teeth have been shown to do
were 4.8 times higher in anteriors, 5.8 times well over 2-4 years with restoration survival
higher in premolars and 6.2 times higher in of 96.8% and tooth survival of 100% over
molars compared to teeth with crowns. A this time.85
statistically significant difference (p <0.001) Glass ceramic onlays on endodontically
was found between teeth with a crown and treated teeth have demonstrated favourable
those without.82 Tickle et al. (2008) reported outcomes with success rates of 92.5% over
on the failure rate of National Health Service four years, however, this should be viewed
funded molar endodontic treatment deliv- with caution given the small sample size
ered in general dental practice in the UK. (53 endodontically treated molar teeth).86
This retrospective cohort study of 174 teeth Shulte et  al. (2005) reported the failure of
crudely measured the tooth survival for nine  out of a total of 246 ceramic onlays
endodontically treated lower first molars. over 0-83 months.87 Their results showed
38.5% of the teeth were crowned and none the survival probability of the ceramic res-
of these failed. Sixteen teeth failed in total. torations in root filled teeth exhibited no
It was concluded that five failures per 100 statistically significant difference to vital
root filled tooth years is expected, that is teeth with ceramic restorations, however a
one in 20 root filled mandibular lower first variety of clinicians performed the treatment
molars restored with a plastic restoration will on a variety of teeth in this retrospective
fail each year.83 analysis. Fracture resistance studies have
It must be remembered that endodontically shown that while gold onlays had improved
treated teeth have an endodontic access cav- fracture resistance when compared to glass
ity and any further preparation for an extra- ceramic and resin composite onlays, all
coronal restoration may leave a very thin onlay systems improve the fracture resist-
band of dentine, prone to fracture. Minimal ance when compared to unrestored teeth.88
preparation restorations are ideal to preserve Indirect composite onlays have been shown Fig. 8 The use of gold onlays preserves the
tooth structure (Fig. 8). Gold onlays with a to have good medium term survival (96% remaining tooth structure while providing
1-2 mm chamfer margin on worn teeth have at 2-4years) in posterior teeth (31 premolars cuspal coverage
shown a survival of 89% at five years when and 158 molars) in vivo.85
50 micron alumina abraded copper contain- Using endodontically treated teeth as abut-
ing type  III cast gold alloy was used and ments is discouraged where possible based treated teeth restored with crowns was 95%
cemented with Panavia (Kuraray Noritake on the work by Sorensen and Martinoff in comparison to 89% for those used as abut-
Dental Inc. Okayama, Japan).84 Not enough (1985) where the success of endodontically ments for fixed partial dentures and 77%

Table 5 Summary of restoration of the root filled tooth

Tooth type No previous restorations Previously heavily restored Previously crowned

(for premolars and molars where (for premolars and molars where one or more (for premolars and molars where both marginal
the marginal ridges are intact) marginal ridges lost) ridges lost)
Interim Temp Definitive Interim Temp Definitive Interim Temp Definitive
Anteriors: Sponge, 3 mm 3 mm of Tooth built Sponge, 3 mm Composite build Temp crown or Sponge, 3 mm Replace crown
Incisors of Cavit and GIC/RMGIC/ up in GIC or of Cavit and up leave as root of Cavit and +/- post
Canines 3 mm IRM or Flowable com- composite prior 3 mm IRM or (or crown for stump with 3 mm IRM or
GIC or com- posite orifice to access cavity GIC or com- canines) temp restora- GIC or com-
posite in access seal preparation posite in access tion & RPD posite in access
cavity cavity overdenture for cavity
Conventional aesthetics
composite in (+/- temp post)
access cavity

Posteriors: Sponge, 3 mm 3 mm of Tooth built Sponge, 3 mm Consider cuspal Temp crown Sponge, 3 mm Replace crown &
Premolars of Cavit and GIC/RMGIC/ up in GIC or of Cavit and protection with or leave as of Cavit and amalgam Nayyar
Molars 3 mm IRM or Flowable composite or 3 mm IRM or onlay or crown root stump 3 mm IRM or core where
GIC or com- composite amalgam prior GIC in access (gold onlay with temp GIC or com- possible
posite in access orifice seal & to access cavity cavity where possible) restoration posite in access
cavity conventional preparation (+/- temp post) cavity
composite in
access cavity Consider cuspal
protection
OR with plastic
restoration
Nayyar core or temporary
amalgam crown/orth-
restoration odontic band/
copper ring

60 BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL VOLUME 218 NO. 2 JAN 23 2015

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62 BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL VOLUME 218 NO. 2 JAN 23 2015

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