In Vitro Comparison of the Mechanical Strength of Carbon Fiber and Zirconia Ceramic Posts and Cores

Ten similarly sized extracted maxillary central incisors were treated endodontically; carbon fiber posts were fit to five specimens and zirconia ceramic posts were fit to the other five. The same cement was used for fixation and core reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to test the strength of the two groups of specimens via a static strain test. The carbon fiber posts were seen to have greater elasticity but were subjected to such stresses so as not to recommend their use in single-rooted teeth with no clinical crowns. Their use may be recommended in other clinical situations. Zirconia ceramic posts were more reliable and stronger above all for single-rooted teeth with no crowns.