Evaluation of titanium mesh and fibers in reinforcing endodontically treated molars: An <i>in vitro</i> study.

Abstract

<h4>Aim/objective</h4>We aimed to evaluate the fracture resistance of titanium mesh and fibers that could aid as a substitute for crown coverage.<h4>Materials and methodology</h4>Forty extracted human mandibular molar teeth were selected for this study and were divided into four groups (<i>n</i> = 10). Access cavity preparation was done in all experimental teeth (Groups 2-4) maintaining 1.2-1.5 mm diameter of tooth structure around the circumference to mimic the structural loss of teeth due to the extent of dental caries. Group 1 consisted of intact teeth which were assigned as control. Group 2 was reinforced with titanium mesh. Group 3 was reinforced with glass fiber. Group 4 was reinforced with polyethylene fiber. The access cavities in all the experimental teeth were later filled with nanohybrid composite and were subjected to fracture resistance using a universal testing machine.<h4>Results</h4>The results of the study were evaluated statistically using the Kruskal-Wallis test. There was no statistically significant difference among the experimental and control groups.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Within the constraint of this <i>in vitro</i> study, an inference can be given that fiber-reinforced composite and titanium mesh could rule out the mandatory procedure of crown placement for endodontically treated molars.