This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the fracture resistance of endodontically treated maxillary central incisors with different post systems. Methods: Fifty-six extracted intact maxillary permanent central incisors were used, treated endodontically (except for the control group), and distributed into the following seven test groups (n=8) depending on the post type: UHT (control group: root-filled teeth without endodontic post), ZRP (prefabricated zirconia post), GFP (prefabricated glass fiber post), CFP (prefabricated carbon fiber post), CPC (custom-made cast post and core), TIP (prefabricated titanium post), and MIP (prefabricated mixed post). The specimens were loaded in a universal testing machine until fracture occurrence. Failure loads were then analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by multiple comparisons by using Tukey's honest significant difference test (α=0.05). Results: Mean (SD) failure loads for groups ranged from 524±73.2 N for CPC to 764.1±156 N for GFP. Oneway ANOVA showed significant differences in terms of fracture resistances among groups (P<0.001). Tukey's honest significant difference test showed significant differences in fracture resistance within groups (P≤0.05), whereas no difference was observed between the UHT (control group) and CFP and CPC groups (P≥0.05). Conclusion:Endodontically treated teeth restored with zirconia post, glass fiber post, titanium post, or mixed post were more resistant to fracture loads compared with those that were not restored (control group) or restored with either carbon fiber post or cast post and core.

Background:With continuous debate and lack of consensus regarding which are more eff ective in management of the temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacture (CAD/CAM) or conventional occlusal splint. Aim: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to perform a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the scientifi c literature regarding the use of CAD/CAM versus conventional occlusal splint in the management of patient with TMDs. Methodology: Manual and electronic database (PubMed and Cochrane) searches were performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs), without language restriction, comparing CAD/CAM versus conventional occlusal splints. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers. The Cochrane tool was used for assessing the quality of included studies. Meta-analyses were performed for the two included RCTs of similar comparisons reported the same outcome measures. Results: Eight trials were identifi ed. Out of them two RCTs were included and six trials were excluded. The two included RCTs were considered to be at a low risk of bias. The pooled result revealed that the CAD/CAM occlusal splint has statistically signifi cant less pain in jaw joint, face tension, and time needed for adjustment when compared to conventional occlusal splints. Conclusion:The meta-analysis revealed that the CAD/CAM occlusal splint has statistically potential in reduction of pain in jaw joint, face tension, and time needed for adjustment when compared to conventional occlusal splints. Clinical Signifi cance: CAD/CAM occlusal splint may be suggested as an alternative manufacturing modality for TMDs patients who can off er the cost of this treatment modality. This review should be interpreted with caution because of limited number of included studies. Well-designed RCTs should be conducted and the outcome measures evaluation should be standardized between studies to reach potent conclusion.