Clinical outcomes and success rates of quartz fiber post restorations: A retrospective study

Statement of Problem

Cast metal posts and dowels are inherently dark and, when metal-free restorations are used, could impair the definitive esthetic appearance. Quartz fiber posts could represent a reliable choice for restoring abutment teeth.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term success rate of teeth restored with quartz fiber posts and fixed dental prostheses (FDPs).

Methods

Ninety-nine teeth restored with 114 quartz fiber posts (Light-Post RTD, St Egreve, France) and FDPs were evaluated. The evaluation time ranged from 7 months to 9.25 years. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to obtain success curves. The influence of the tooth location, definitive restoration, and failure pattern upon the success function was analyzed with the log-rank test. The Cox regression test was used to evaluate possible predictors among the interactions of the observed parameters.

Results

The success rate of the restorations was 85.86% in a mean period of 5.88 ±1.37 years, with an estimated success probability of 85% at 6.17 years. The statistical analysis identified the factors related to the arch (P=.045) and type of definitive restoration (P=.021) as significantly associated with success. Post debonding was the most frequent failure mode, followed by endodontic failure, with the latter not necessarily being related to the post itself. No root fractures were recorded. Twelve teeth out of the 14 that failed were restored again, bringing the overall survival rate of the teeth to 98%.

Conclusions

The rehabilitation of abutment teeth with quartz fiber posts can be considered a reliable procedure; however, adhesive techniques and luting materials require improvement.