Comparing Fracture Resistance and the Time Required for Two Different Fiber Post Removal Systems

Purpose To compare two fiber post removal techniques in terms of fracture resistance and time required for post removal. Materials and Methods Post space was prepared to a 9-mm depth in each root canal. The roots were randomly divided into three groups of 15 specimens each. D.T. Light-Posts were cemented in all groups. In group 1, fiber posts were removed using the D.T. Light-Post-removal kit; in group 2, Start-X stainless-steel ultrasonic tips were used. In group 3, fiber posts were left without removal (the control group). For all groups, fracture resistance (N) value was measured and recorded using a universal testing machine. Times required for fiber post removal were also recorded for the two study groups. Results There was no significant difference between the control and removal kit groups for fracture resistance values (p = 0.233). The fracture resistance value of the ultrasonic group was found to be significantly lower than that of the control group (p = 0.001) as well as that of the removal kit group (p = 0.032). The fiber post removal time for the ultrasonic group was significantly longer than that for the removal kit group (p < 0.001). Conclusion Compared to the removal kit, removal of the fiber posts with an ultrasonic tip decreases the fracture resistance of the roots, although significantly more time is required.