Efficiency and effectiveness of fiber post removal using 3 techniques

Objective: To evaluate the speed (efficiency) and effectiveness of 3 different fiber post removal systems. Method and Materials: Fiber posts (D.T. Light-Post no. 1 [Bisco Dental] and ParaPost FiberLux no. 5 [Coltène/Whaledent]) were cemented into 60 single-rooted teeth after endodontic therapy and post space preparation were completed. Three methods of fiber post removal were evaluated-D.T. Light-Post removal kit, the Kodex twist/Tenax ParaPost fiber post removal drill kit, and a combination of diamond bur/Peeso reamer. Results: The efficiency to remove either fiber post was not significantly different, nor was efficiency of any of the 3 post removal systems significantly different. For effectiveness, no difference was observed between post types, but effectiveness was higher with the diamond bur/Peeso reamer compared with the Kodex twist/Tenax ParaPost drills, which in turn was more effective than the D.T. Light-Post removal kit. Conclusions: Fiber posts are efficiently removed by all 3 methods, but effectiveness of removal is higher using the diamond bur/Peeso reamer. Keywords: fiber posts, post and core technique, post removal