The clinical significance of mechanical properties in retentive posts

When selecting dental materials for use in the permanent restoration of severely broken down teeth, clinicians must choose a material with the optimal mechanical and physical properties for that particular application, with esthetics as a secondary consideration.

As the trend in dentistry shifts towards fiber-reinforced composite endodontic posts and away from metal posts, this article reviews how fiber posts differ from their metal predecessors and how they vary intrinsically from one design and composition to another.

Additionally, the article examines how fiber posts actually function and interact with the tooth.