Randomized Controlled Clinical Pilot Trial of Titanium vs Glass Fiber Prefabricated Posts: Preliminary Results After Up to 3 Years

Purpose: This randomized parallel-group clinical pilot study aimed to compare the clinical outcome of prefabricated rigid titanium to glass fiber endodontic posts when luted with self-adhesive universal resin cement. Materials and Methods: Ninety-eight patients in need of postendodontic restoration were assessed for eligibility. Ninety-one patients met the selection criteria and were randomized and allocated to 2 intervention groups. Forty-five participants were treated using a titanium post and 46 participants received a glass fiber post, each in combination with composite core buildups for postendodontic restoration. All posts had a diameter of 1.4 mm and a length of 13 mm and were cemented 8 mm within the root canal with self-adhesive universal resin cement. A circumferential ferrule of 2 mm was always provided. Surgical crown lengthening was necessary in 13 cases. Patients were observed in intervals of 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after post placement. Results: After 24 to 36 months (mean ± SD: 27.9 ± 5.6) of observation following post placement, 1 tooth was extracted because of changes of the prosthetic treatment plan. No failures were observed among the 88 patients with follow-up data. Conclusions: Both titanium and glass fiber reinforced composite posts result in successful treatment outcomes after 2 years. The material combination used seems to be appropriate in the short term for cementing endodontic posts, irrespective of the post material.