Evaluation of the Internal Fit of Pressable Versus Cad/Cam Peek Post and Core Using Scanning Electron Microscope: An in Vitro Study

Abstract

Aim:The study was conducted to evaluate the internal fit and marginal adaptation of custommade Pressable compared to CAD/CAM PEEK post and core at three levels.Methodology: Twenty-eight extracted maxillary central incisors were prepared for custom post and cores. Acrylic resin patterns were fabricated and divided into two groups: CAD/CAM group: The resin patterns were directly scanned and milled from modified PEEK blocks and Press group: Patterns were pressed with PEEK granules. The cement thickness was measured at four standardized points and the vertical marginal discrepancy was measured at twelve points using scanning electron microscope. One Way-ANOVA and Tukey`s post hoc test were performed to compare between the sections of each group; while Independent T-test was performed to compare between the two groups at different sections.Results: Regarding CAD/CAM group, the mean cement thickness was the highest in the coronal section (85.57±17.81) followed by the middle (72.87±18.57) then the apical (45.92±18.73). While for Press group, the middle section showed the highest mean cement thickness (50.99±15.98), followed by the coronal section (39.70±18.16), the apical section (21.37±4.30). Comparing the two groups, CAD/CAM group had a significantly higher internal gap in all sections (P=0.0001). Among cores marginal adaptation, no significant difference in means of all surfaces was revealed between the CAD/CAM (98.83±13.90) and press (95.08±13.91) groups (P=0.54) Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, pressed PEEK post and cores achieved superior internal fit compared to CAD/CAM. Neither CAD/CAM nor pressing technique influenced the marginal adaptation of PEEK cores and both were within the clinical acceptance range.

Restoring an Extremely Destructed Tooth with Flared Root Canal Walls: A Case Report

“…The fabrication process is simple, including milling and heat-pressing methods. The pressed technique results in higher accuracy [ 20 , 21 ], while CAD-CAM milled FPDs showed higher resistance to fracture than those pressed from PEEK-pellets [ 22 ]. All these features have made PEEK a promising dental material for custom-made intraradicular dental post-and-core systems.…”