Survival of root canal-treated teeth with fiber-reinforced post-restoration

Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the survival rates of root canal treated teeth restored with fiber-reinforced post (FRP) restorations, considering characteristics such as post length, tooth type, and position and restoration type.
Methods: Data from 441 patients who received FRP restorations at the Akdeniz University, Faculty of Dentistry between 2018 and 2023 were analyzed. A total of 516 FRPs were examined, with post length-to-root length ratios used to categorize posts as either “long” (≥50%) or “short” (<50%). Survival rates were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method, with the log-rank test employed to identify significant differences between subgroups.
Results: The overall failure rate was 10.65%, with periapical inflammation being the most common cause. The Kaplan-Meier survival estimates at 12-, 36-, and 60-month were 98.2%, 87.5%, and 73%, respectively. Posts classified as “long” exhibited significantly higher survival rates than “short” posts (p = 0.04). Anterior and premolars showed greater survival probabilities compared to molars (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: The study found that post length and tooth type significantly influence the survival of FRP restorations. Longer posts and those placed in anterior and premolar teeth were associated with better outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of considering post length and tooth type in clinical decision-making, although further prospective studies with standardized protocols are necessary to validate these results.